An estimated 2,160 dogs were reported stolen in 2022, or the equivalent of six every day, new research reveals. As just one in four dogs end up being returned to their owners, experts reveal why so many dogs are being nicked – and how to stop it from happening to you.

Research by Direct Line Pet Insurance revealed the startling rate at which dogs are stolen in the UK using Freedom of Information requests to all 45 police forces across the UK – 33 of which responded.

To estimate the total number of stolen dogs across the UK, a calculation based on the national average number of dogs stolen and returned for every 10,000 dogs was applied to the number of dogs in the force areas that were unable to provide data.

Becky MacIver, Rehoming and Welfare Manager at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, explained that the high theft rates may be a result of so many people owning dogs post-pandemic, telling Express.co.uk: “Currently there are more dog owners than ever, which means as a result there’s more demand for dogs.

“With certain breeds selling for more money, some people are unfortunately trying to profit on the popularity of these dogs by stealing them to sell on or even breed from them to sell puppies at a high price.”

She added that thieves will specifically target pet dogs both to sell them on to unsuspecting owners, or to claim a reward that may be offered for the animals’ return.

A spokesperson for the Dogs Trust said: “Given the high demand for dogs in the past couple of years and the increase in prices, it is no wonder criminals have and continue to take advantage of the situation. Our dogs play such a huge and important part in our lives but sadly many are stolen each year, which is absolutely heartbreaking.”

While the overall rate of dog thefts has fallen, the rate at which certain breeds are being dognapped has skyrocketed.

American Bulldogs, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and French Bulldogs were the most frequently stolen breeds across the new data, and are also some of the more expensive.

All of these breeds also saw a substantial rise in the rate of theft from the previous year, with Staffordshire Bull Terriers – the price of which can easily reach over £1,500 – being stolen 610 percent more often than in 2021.

To protect your pooch from becoming the latest target of thieves, experts have several recommendations.

Ms McIver said: “There are many ways pet owners can keep their pets safe and prevent them from being stolen, from making sure you do not leave your dog unsupervised in public and ensuring your garden is fully secure, to keeping your pet’s microchip details up to date so that if your pet does go missing, they can be traced back to you.”

The microchip system was highlighted as a key way to keep your dog safe and dramatically improve the chances of finding them again if they do go missing.

An RSPCA spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “Anyone who suspects their dog may have been stolen should immediately alert police, contact their microchip company to register their pet as stolen and inform local rescue groups, vets, dog walkers and neighbours.

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“It is a legal requirement to have dogs microchipped, which is a very easy procedure. It involves a tiny microchip being quickly and simply inserted under the animal’s skin and this then gives the pet their own unique code.

“The microchip can be scanned and matched to the owner’s contact details which are kept on a database.”

They added that dogs should never be left tied up outside shops or alone in cars, and that owners should ensure their gardens are secure with gates locked, and that their pet has a good recall and doesn’t stray too far when off-lead on walks.

Both the RSPCA and Ms McIver added that the government could be doing more to help dogs by moving forward with the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, tabled in 2021, which would provide several improved welfare standards for pets and other kept animals, as well as making pet theft its own specific offence.

Environment Secretary at the time George Eustice, announcing the Bill, said: “As an independent nation outside the EU we are now able to go further than ever on animal welfare by banning the export of live animal exports for slaughter and fattening, prohibiting keeping primates as pets and bringing in new powers to tackle puppy smuggling.

“This builds on the launch of our Action Plan for Animal Welfare and Animal Sentience Bill last month as part of our work to build on our status as a world leader on animal welfare.”

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