Pet Theft

Current Pet Theft Trend:

We have seen a sharp escalation in pet theft. Theft of dogs, cats, exotic birds, birds of prey and reptiles is a concerning problem, and a cause of worry for many pet owners in the UK and around the world.

The pet market has sharply risen in recent years, as has pet theft. It is widely viewed that having certain pets is fashionable, the more exotic the better. This has meant a rise in stolen animals. Pet theft is a profitable "endeavour", ransoms are often offered by owners of lost dogs, and, on occasion, demanded by pet theives. It is also relatively low risk for the thief when you compare it to breaking into a house or expensive car that may be alarmed.
Dogs are at great risk of pet theft, especially the rare and more expensive breeds, providing thieves with potentially thousands of pounds in farmed puppies, and this is a prime reason for the rise in pet theft.

Pet owners must be aware that someone may have an eye on their beloved pedigree animal and take the necessary precautiuons. Some of these precautions are outlined in our animal security section.

Reasons for Pet Theft

Current figures on pet theft suggest as many as 500 dogs a month are stolen in the UK. The true figure is probably alot higher. Cats are high up on the list, but because they are "free spirits" it is difficult to provide accurate figures. The same is true with exotic birds and reptiles.

Thieves thrive on rural areas where animals are given the run of the land, are unsupervised and often have little or no form of identification. We also find that those pet owners who live closest to main A roads are highly likely to be targeted by pet thieves, as this offers a quick pick up and escape from the area the theft takes place.

Police Attitudes to Pet Theft

Police attitude towards pet theft differs from county to county. It is difficult to get a crime number for your mising pet unless you can prove it has been stolen. The police often do not take into account that a Bulldog count not possibly jump over a five foot fence, nor could a Great Dane fit under the 3 inch gap under the garden wall!

The main thing to do is to persist. If your pet has been stolel, report it as so and not as a missing pet. By law, pet animals are classed under the Sale of Goods Act, and if you can prove it has been stolen, it is within your right to demand a crime number for that missing animal. It is also your right to insist the police recover your pet, should you find out who has stolen it.

Should you need any further information on pet theft, please contact us.

See also dog theft.