Dog theft continues to rise

England and Wales recorded a 25% year-on-year rise in dog theft offences between 2020-2021, new data reveals.

The figures, released by Pet Theft Reform, shows that during the past year more than 1,800 dog theft offences were recorded by police forces in England and Wales.

Previously 2020 had the highest number of dog theft offences on record at 1,550, but the 2021 figures have succeeded this, reinforcing the need for the reform.

The figures have been released to mark Dog Theft Awareness Day, taking place on 14 March, which marks the beginning of Pet Theft Awareness Week.

Dr. Daniel Allen, Co-Founder of Pet Theft Reform and Animal Geographer at Keele University, said: “Dog theft offences in England and Wales continue to rise. From the 31 of 43 regional police forces in England and Wales who could supply comparable Freedom of Information data, there has been a 25% increase in recorded dog theft offences from 2020 to 2021.

“This may be a combination of increased crimes and/or changes to policing practice,” he added.