Dog theft prevention. Many thieves are now indiscriminately stealing dogs rather than looking for specific breeds, asking for money via ransoms, or returning them to collect rewards offered by owners.
Charity DogLost has recorded a 250% increase in dognappings from March 2020 to March 2021.
According to pet population figures from the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA), around 3.2 million UK households have bought an animal companion since the pandemic began.
As a result, puppy prices have soared, and sadly, dog thefts have seen a massive spike. It’s concerning to see an increase in dog theft within some regions of the UK, and we’d urge anyone who believes they have taken their puppy to report the incident to the police immediately.
The RSPCA says owners must take “extra precautions” to protect their dogs from criminals. Here, we share the organisation’s tips.
Vary your walks to prevent theft of your dogs.
Do not repeat the same routes when walking your dog: “Go somewhere different daily. Many people will come out the front door, turn right, and follow the same path. As people are allowed to meet outdoors, he recommends walking with other owners while observing social distancing.
Microchip your pet (including cats)
It is vital to microchip pets and to keep contact details current. So, we’d urge all dog owners to take extra precautions to protect their puppies from thieves by neutering their pets.
In addition, they must be microchipped, have up-to-date contact details recorded, and wear a collar with embroidered contact details or an engraved ID tag.
If you suspect your pet has been stolen, the organisation recommends immediately contacting the police and letting the microchip company know so your pet can be registered as stolen. You should also contact local rescue groups, dog walkers and vets.
While only dogs have to be microchipped by law, the RSPCA advises microchipping cats, too. Microchipping is an effortless procedure. It involves a tiny microchip being quickly and simply inserted under the animal’s skin, giving the pet its unique code.
Thousands of pets are lost and stolen every year, and many are never reunited with their owners, but microchipping can help to change that. While collars and tags can get caught or removed – microchipping identifies pets permanently and effectively.
Dog thefts. Don’t leave dogs alone.
We strongly recommend planning your time carefully so that you don’t need to go to the shops when your dog is with you, and they aren’t left alone outside the store. Many dogs are also stolen after being left in cars. The RSPCA recommends ensuring your garden is secure, all gates are locked, and your dog doesn’t stray too far from you if off the lead during a walk.
Tighten security for outdoor-dwelling dogs.
If you keep your dogs outside – in kennels, for example – upgrade your lighting and CCTV. Also, consider bringing the dogs closer to your residential property, not in kennels at the bottom of the garden.
Dog thefts. Don’t specify a reward amount.
If you decide to offer a reward, we recommend using the term “finder’s fee” and not specifying an amount. If a member of the public contacts you on social media and says: How much is the reward? All you have to do is reply: I will disclose that to the finder of my dog.
Q&As:
What is the key statistic mentioned in the article regarding dognappings?
The article highlights a 250% increase in dognappings recorded by the charity DogLost from March 2020 to March 2021.
How has the pandemic impacted dog theft?
The pandemic has led to puppy prices surging due to approximately 3.2 million UK households acquiring animal companions. Consequently, there has been a significant increase in dog thefts.
What advice does the RSPCA give to dog owners to protect their pets from theft?
The RSPCA advises owners to take “extra precautions” and provides tips, including varying walking routes, microchipping pets (including cats), not leaving dogs alone in public spaces or cars, and tightening security for outdoor-dwelling dogs.
What does the article recommend regarding offering a reward for a lost or stolen dog?
If a reward is offered, it is recommended that the term “finder’s fee” be used to avoid specifying a particular amount. The owner should disclose the reward amount directly to the finder rather than publicly announcing it.
What steps should be taken if a pet is suspected to be stolen?
If a pet is suspected to be stolen, the article recommends immediately contacting the police, notifying the microchip company, and contacting local rescue groups, dog walkers, and vets.
Key Takeaways:
- Dramatic Increase in Dog Thefts: The article highlights a 250% increase in dog thefts from March 2020 to March 2021, partly attributed to the rise in pet ownership during the pandemic.
- Preventive Measures: The RSPCA provides several preventive measures, including varying walking routes, microchipping pets, avoiding leaving dogs alone in public spaces or cars, and enhancing security for outdoor-dwelling dogs.
- Microchipping Importance: Microchipping is emphasized as a crucial step in pet protection, providing a permanent and effective means of identification. The advice includes keeping contact details up-to-date and ensuring pets wear collars with engraved ID tags.
- Careful Planning: Dog owners are urged to plan their time carefully to avoid leaving dogs unattended, especially in public spaces or cars. It is also recommended to secure gardens and residential properties to prevent theft.
- Reward Offering: If a reward is considered, the article suggests using the term “finder’s fee” without specifying an amount. This may discourage potential thieves from targeting dogs for perceived financial gain.
Comparison Table:
| Preventive Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Varying Walk Routes | Change daily routes to avoid predictability. |
| Microchipping | Essential for both dogs and cats; provides permanent ID. |
| Avoid Leaving Dogs Alone | Plan activities to keep dogs from being left unattended. |
| Tighten Security | Upgrade lighting, CCTV for outdoor-dwelling dogs. |
| Reward Offering | Use “finder’s fee” without specifying an amount. |
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