Bucks XL Bully owner in shock as dog revealed as 3rd most stolen in the UK
New figures reveal a sharp rise in thefts within the last 12 months
Last updated 7th Mar 2024
New figures reveal a rise in XL bully thefts within the last 12 months, with the breed now the 3rd most stolen dog in the UK.
The XL Bully was added to the Dangerous Dogs act last year and restrictions were put in place with the sale of the breed now prohibited.
XL Bully Owner Lauren told us how she feels hearing the news:
"It's quiet strange to be honest thinking it's a breed you're almost trying hide at the minute because they don't actually get to have normal lives anymore, we don't get to walk them properly, trying to constantly keep them contained and keep them away from people. It seems incredibly strange they would be stolen.
It's quite scary, she's our family pet. We love her and adore her and the thought that we are trying to hide her anyway because of the exemption and now we are almost thinking we have to hide her again as people might steal her. It would break our heart."
Across the UK dog thefts are up 6% year-on-year, with figures from Direct Line Pet Insurance showing just 16% of stolen pets find their way home, compared to 21% in the previous 12 months.
English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs are the most popular targets for thieves, with the XL bully third.
Under the current law, there is still no specific crime for pet theft, with stolen dogs treated like other stolen property.