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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Are you more concerned about dog theft at the moment?

117 replies

Trulyatraditionalman · 18/02/2021 21:58

Posting on behalf of my friend who is absolutely terrified of her dog being stolen, and has even bought a rape alarm in case anything happens on her walks! There is so much dog theft due to the rise in demand for dogs/puppies and thus their value. I see a "missing" post a few times a week on my local Facebook page...awful.

For those who are dog owners, have you feel more uneasy about taking your dog out for a walk/dog theft in general in the past year?

YABU - I'm not any more cautious than I was a year ago
YANBU - I definitely feel more worried about something happening to my dog in the past year or so.

OP posts:
MajesticWhine · 18/02/2021 22:04

YANBU - definitely more nervous about this yes. Don't like to leave DDog outside a shop even for a couple of minutes. Also have a Dpup and he isn't going out yet but that is a concern.

Parkandride · 18/02/2021 22:11

I don't have a desirable dog and while I think he's gorgeous it's more of a face that a mother loves Grin he's older, neutered, chipped - not sure there's much else we could do?

If anyone ever admires him who sounds like they know the type we make sure to mention his age, injuries and that he's a rubbish hunter. That's where my concern would be over the current lockdown dog fad.

I would never leave him outside a shop though, and might be more cautious about leaving him in a car briefly. But not going anywhere right now and only would do that in cold winter months anyway

Daisysflowers · 18/02/2021 22:12

Definitely a lot more alert on dog walks at the moment. Had a few dogs go missing/stolen in my area. Usually let a relative walk my dog but have stopped it for the time being as don’t want to put the relative in that situation.

temproasted · 18/02/2021 22:17

I can't say either way really. It's my worst nightmare but I'm trying not to let it affect my daily life with my 6 year old doodle. I'm definitely a bit more nervous but also trying to tell myself that despite thefts having increased, the chances of it happening are fairly low I think. I really don't want to worry about this one pleasure in my life!

Serin · 18/02/2021 22:18

God no, they can bloody take him. He is such a PITA they would soon beg me to take him back Grin
In all seriousness though, no, I'm not worried, he is mainly walked by our 2 sons, both 6'2". Both good at Krav Maga. Dog would put up a fight too, even though he is a tiny shitzhu/Lhasa Apso cross.

BabyAlexander · 18/02/2021 22:20

Really quite scared to walk my dog. My husband was attacked last month by two men who tried to steal her. I won't walk her alone now.

MiaowMiaow99 · 18/02/2021 22:21

I am worried yes, I have a dog that was 'cheap' but due to covid is now worth ££££. Even mutts or old dogs aren't safe as I've hesrd those are used as bait in dog fights.

RozHuntleysStump · 18/02/2021 22:21

Yes. I’m very worried. My dog is really cute.

PogoTheClown · 18/02/2021 22:23

Definitely.

I have quite a fashionable dog. Eight of the breed have just been stolen recently. It's terrifying. I worry if she goes out in the garden for too long.

TheDogsMother · 18/02/2021 22:24

It's not just cute dogs unfortunately it dogs stolen to be fighting bait. It breaks my heart. I was in a supermarket earlier and there was an older and distressed Beagle tied up outside and many people were commenting on how vulnerable he/she was.

PogoTheClown · 18/02/2021 22:25

@BabyAlexander

Really quite scared to walk my dog. My husband was attacked last month by two men who tried to steal her. I won't walk her alone now.
Fuck. How scary!
Northofsomewhere · 18/02/2021 22:25

I currently have 9 month old pup and am on the list for another litter of the same breed born at the end of this month. Its a rare breed in the UK (1 of 2 currently in Yorkshire) but more common in Europe and the US however the price for a puppy hasn't increased over the last year, think this is likely because they're all reputable small breeders and demand hasn't really increased due to rarity of knowledge.

I'm concerned about dog theft because there have been theft in the surrounding areas (20 miles or so) and she's a pretty dog who looks like a smaller version of a much more common and recognisable dog breed (not very common but more of them generally). She is also very quiet and friendly (doesn't really approach but will sort of stand a look), my previous dog wouldn't have gone with anyone willingly and would've kicked up one hell of a fuss and made anyone regret trying anything.

I do take precautions at home and out and about, I have a lock on my large garden gate which is difficult to open from the outside and a ring doorbell covering that area and she's not left outside for long periods alone with a check. I don't leave her in the car alone and have never left her alone outside a shop, I'd rather walk her home then head back, I'm also careful about where I walk her particularly off lead. I have also considered what I'd do if approached out on a walk but haven't really come up with anything useful other than pick her up (I can just about manage it) and use the lead as a weapon and scream.

So, I'm not necessarily concerned because of the increased risk but because of my dog's friendly and trusting personality.

Amijustagrump · 18/02/2021 22:25

Yep, a uni friend had her dog stolen today! She was in a van with 2 other dogs on her way home from the groomer when the van got stolen... I'm petrified now!

Justgorgeous · 18/02/2021 22:28

@Amijustagrump I was just going to post the same, just reading about it now. We don’t have dogs but are considering one.

LawnFever · 18/02/2021 22:30

No, my dog is a cross breed rehomed mut and absolutely bonkers, nobody would steal him & I’d never leave him outside a shop anyway - because he’d be a pest rather than being worried about anyone taking him

Guess this is being fuelled by how much breeders are now charging for certain breeds, how sad that people are becoming scared to walk their own dogs Sad

AnnLouiseB · 18/02/2021 22:31

Yes, was just talking to my mum about this today! There does seem to be more of it about these days.

Amijustagrump · 18/02/2021 22:31

@Justgorgeous its horrible isn't it! I've been sharing it as much as I can however I don't live anywhere near it. We don't have a dog who lives with us, he lives at my MIL and I'm so worried about him now. I think I will ask DP to make sure his mum doesn't walk him alone and wait until he is there too (they are in a bubble so it's fine!)

Verashat · 18/02/2021 22:32

I am in a rural area and there has always been a big problem with working dogs being stolen, kept in kennels outside. I don’t know the statistics for actual thefts to know if it’s risen lately.
I foster dogs and they are never left outside on their own.

It seems to be a lockdown fashion- to have a dog.

LittleBoPeep95 · 18/02/2021 22:34

Bloody hell. Can I ask what breed she is?

LittleBoPeep95 · 18/02/2021 22:34

@BabyAlexander

Mreggsworth · 18/02/2021 22:36

It is a worry of mine. My garden is quite open so only let him out when I can see him through the window.

When out and about I'm not overly worried. I tend to mostly walk him in parks in day light, the amount of fuss I'd make I think it would gather quite a crowd if someone tried to take him.

On the odd time I go for a more secluded walk it could be an issue, but not a worry enough to stop me going those places. I'm rarely on my own anyway.

TheChip · 18/02/2021 22:39

No I'm not concerned. I dont ever leave my dogs in a position of where they could be taken, and my dogs don't let me out of their sight if off the lead when walking. They would attack if someone tried.

dottiedaisee · 18/02/2021 22:39

Yes . I now keep my dog on the lead and I do not walk in lonely areas .

supernova21 · 18/02/2021 22:43

Nah, ain't nobody going to want my staffie mutt. She's not even a full staff. I'd be worried if I had one of those designer breeds though.

NiceTwin · 18/02/2021 22:43

I own a boarding kennel and have just beefed up security by putting an alarm all round the perimeter of our property. This is on top of CCTV and an alarmed kennel block.
It would have to be a very determined person to get in.
I did hear a kennel that got broken into this week, they went through the roof.

My own dog is small (5kg) but would kick up a hell of a stink if anybody touched him.
The other dog is a working breed, we walk them rurally but it is still a worry.