Five dogs stolen EVERY DAY across UK last year
An estimated 1,808 dogs were stolen across the UK last year according to police figures.
It's estimated that 150 dogs were stolen every month across the UK last year according to analysis of police figures.
In total it's thought 1,808 dogs were stolen across the UK last year – with French bulldogs now the most likely breed to be taken.
Some 51 French bulldogs were stolen over the 12 months, an increase of 38% on 2023, analysis of Freedom of Information requests to UK police forces by Direct Line Pet Insurance shows.
French bulldogs can cost up to £5,000 when bought from a reputable breeder, meaning criminals can secure large sums of money for these animals by selling them on.
Rottweilers saw the highest rise in thefts – a 180% year-on-year increase, followed by Border collies, up from five stolen to 13, and Chihuahuas, rising from 14 thefts to 26.
In contrast, thefts of XL bullies have dropped by 49% following the ban on the breed introduced in England and Wales last February.
A fall in thefts, but a fall in dogs being returned
While the overall thefts figure is a 21% fall on 2023, only around one in five dogs (19%) were returned to their owners last year – one of the lowest levels in a decade of tracking by Direct Line Pet Insurance.
The Pet Abduction Act came into effect in May last year, making pet theft a criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland, punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
The reduction in thefts may be an early sign that the new law is having a positive impact, the insurer said.
Over the past 10 years, 23,430 dogs have been reported stolen to police, according to Freedom of Information requests, with 5,005 (21%) being returned.
Overall, dog theft has declined by more than a fifth (22%) in the past decade.
Despite the decline in reported thefts, 61% of owners say they are worried about the possibility of their dog being stolen – with 40% saying they would only ever walk their dog on a lead and 17% using a tracking device.