Dog theft declines

An estimated 1,808 dogs were stolen across the UK last year, a 21% fall on 2023, new research reveals.

Analysis of Freedom of Information requests to UK police forces by Direct Line Pet Insurance only 19% were returned to their owners last year – one of the lowest levels in a decade of tracking by Direct Line Pet Insurance.

The data shows 51 French bulldogs were stolen over the 12 months, an increase of 38% on 2023.

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.

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.

Adam Burgin, head of Direct Line Pet Insurance, said: “Our research over the last decade has shown dog theft is a persistent issue and hopefully the Pet Abduction Act 2024 will encourage a change in criminal behaviour in the long-term.”