Unfortunately, there has been a significant rise in the numbers of dogs being stolen. They can be taken from owners while out walking, from outside shops or from private gardens. Sometimes, houses are even broken into by people looking to steal dogs. There is a lot you can do to prevent this happening to you:
- Do not leave your dog tied up outside shops
- Do not leave your dog alone in a car
- Make sure your garden is secure and keep an eye on your dog while in the garden
- If someone asks your dog's name while you are out walking, do not give it to them if you do not trust them
- Most importantly, get your dog microchipped. Thieves can remove collars and tags but a microchip will identify your dog for life. In one case, the dog wardens were able to return a microchipped dog to its owners two-and-a-half years after it was stolen
- If your dog is stolen, get a crime number from the police