Dog thefts hit 7-year high across the UK

The Scottish SPCA is urging pet owners to have their dogs microchipped, as the number of thefts across the UK reaches a seven year high.

Research shows the number of dogs stolen has risen by 16% since 2015.

The higher cost of animals, pushed up by increased demand during the pandemic, is thought to be a main factor.

Jack Russells and French Bulldogs are among the breeds most commonly taken.

Other small dogs like Chihuahuas and Pugs are also popular targets.

Thefts rising during pandemic

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn from the Scottish SPCA told Clyde 1: "The price of dogs has gone through the roof, so people will steal them, if they are a cute breed like a Bichon Frise, or a pedigree dog, as they think they could possibly breed from it and get the profit.

"But if you steal something outside a supermarket, you can't tell if it's been spayed or neutered, so if they find out it's been spayed and they can't breed it, they will just sell it on, and they could get £500 - £1500, so it's all about making money."

Mike says it's more important than ever to get your pet microchipped.

"The police have had quite a few successes - there was one in November when the police raided a place and found 68 dogs that had been stolen from throughout the UK.

"They were able to do that because the dogs were microchipped and reported as stolen."

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