Dog Theft: A Rising National Problem

 by Mia Parry

The prices of puppies have skyrocketed in the UK since the beginning of lockdown, with the average cost an astonishing £1,900, over double the expected sum pre March 2020. The most highly desired breeds include Cocker Spaniels, Jack Russells, Cockapoos and Border Collies, some of which an aspiring dog owner will need to pay over £3,000 for. 

In order to keep up with this record-breaking demand, gangs are resorting to the theft of adult dogs for breeding (often on puppy farms in inhumane conditions) and whole litters of puppies in some cases for resale. Imported fertility hormones allow a female to produce 3 or 4 litters a year compared to the natural 1 or 2, which significantly reduces the dog's life span and often leads to infection (frequently Brucellosis) and, in some cases, death. 

Most counties have reported a spike in dog theft reports and most notably Northumbria Police's cases rose from 27 to 67 in just a matter of months. The penalty for dog theft under the Theft Act of 1968 ranges from a £250 fine to seven years' imprisonment, showing there is no real deterrent for the millions of pounds to be potentially made. Specifically, two major inner city gangs have even given up drug dealing in order to focus on the exploitation of dogs. 

Although leading animal welfare groups such as the RSPCA have raised concerns over this under-the- radar crime, it is simply being written off as an animal welfare concern rather than criminal activity. In order to discourage this crime, dog owners are advised not to leave dogs unattended in unsecured gardens or cars and must be reminded that updating microchip information is not only a legal requirement, but also essential in locating a stolen pet. 

Sources https://www.bbc.co.uk/news https://www.safe.co.uk