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How Can You Prevent Dog Theft In UK?

• 26th February 2021
• Tim Berrisford

Yesterday we heard that Lady Gaga’s pet dogs were stolen in broad daylight. This dog theft really shocked many but it was that the dog walker she employed to walk them was blasted in the chest with a gun several times that was really awful.

This escalation of violence is appalling and extremely worrying as what normally happens in America eventually ends up on the streets of the UK. To make the situation worse she immediately offered a $500,000 no questions reward to try to get them back. Surely this publicity will only encourage organized crime to increase as they target wealthy dog owners pets.

So What Should I Do If Someone Steals My Dog?

Time is of the essence in a situation like this and the quicker you respond the better chance you will have to get your dog back. If you suspect a criminal intent then you need to contact the police straight away.

Its also wise to ring your local dog warden to make them aware of the incident, recording any information that might help them.

Social media is the quickest way to alert many people in your locality so put a message on Facebook and Twitter and ask everyone to keep alert and to spread the word about the dog theft. Its amazing how fast dog lovers will spread this and  then your local community will be keeping an eye out for your pet.

You could also try contacting your local radio station too or maybe put up posters in your neighbourhood. Basically the more people see this the better so utilize as many avenues as you can.

There is also a website called DogLost.co.uk that you could contact too which advertises lost and stolen dog cases.

How To Protect Your Dog From Thieves?

Dog theft in the UK has risen in some areas in the last 12 months by 250%. This has been driven by many working from home to buy a puppy as it’s a great time to train them during the first few months.

This increased demand has meant that prices of puppies has increased four-fold, and some puppies are now going for over £3000 each. A litter of pedigree pups can be highly rewarding and you can see the attraction of dog theft to criminals.

These gangs are now finding it so lucrative that they are swapping drugs and vehicle theft for dog theft in UK. In fact, it’s often an easier target with less risk of getting caught and higher returns.

1. Never leave your dog unattended so never tie your dog briefly as you go into a shop and never leave your dog alone in a car.
2. When walking always try to walk with friends and family as its safety in numbers
3. Always be alert and don’t stop to engage with strangers
4. Carry a personal alarm with you as the high pitched noise can help to alert other people to help you.
5. Avoid routine when walking your dogs as these criminals could be watching you and making a note of your movements.
6. Ensure your dog can be permanently identified through a chip or tattoo. Make sure your vet checks annually if the chip is still responding.
7. Keep photos of your dog at all stages so that others on social media can see accurate images of your dog
8. Check out your dog walker thoroughly if you decide to use a service like this. If you are leaving your dog at kennels make sure that these are reputable and registered.
9. Monitor your property boundaries and fencing and make sure that there are no gaps or holes that your dogs can get through or intruders in.
10. Invest in a good strong dog kennel with secure locks if you leave your dog unattended in your garden.
11. Look at fitting CCTV at your property and possible motion detecting lights.
12. Avoid putting too much information on social media about your dogs or prospective litters
13. Improve your dogs recall to ensure they return safely to you when you call them. Otherwise keep your dogs on a retractable long lead.

If you’re a dog breeder then the threat to you increases significantly. If you have puppies these are like gold dust to the criminals as young puppies particularly pedigree ones, will net them a larger haul.

Also, puppies won’t be microchipped as yet, so the appeal is so much greater. They can sell puppies easily with no traceability which further reduces the risk of being caught. However, they are also on the lookout for bitches that they can breed from so you need to be very cautious.

Which Breeds Are Targeted for Dog Theft In UK?

1. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
2. Designer Breeds Like Cockerpoos
3. Chihuahua
4. Cocker Spaniel
5. Bulldog
6. Yorkshire Terriers
7. French Bulldog
8. Lurcher
9. Border Collies
10. Jack Russell

Conclusion

Any dog stolen is too many in our opinion and we hope that by helping to like and share this article you will raise awareness of this growing problem. Dog theft changes peoples lives and the more we can do to stop it the fewer people have to suffer.

Easy Animal Ltd build the leading range of thermal dog kennels in the UK, please feel free to email us at sales@easyanimal.co.uk