Dog thefts - are you concerned?

[GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat]

We’re very new to pup ownership, GeorgiePup is just 13 weeks old but I’m increasingly aware and alarmed by the rise in dog thefts and I’m finding the whole thing very stressful. Has it always been a thing and I just haven’t noticed because I didn’t have a dog or is it on the rise and I should be worried? I’m quite an anxious person anyway and finding myself worrying at night that someone will break and steal him. What do other feel about it?

Yes, I caught a neighbour a few doors down, who knew he was my dog whistling to my dog and beckoning him to his open van door, my NDN has tall shrubs, so I don't think he knew I was there until I came out of the gate.

I watch dog like a hawk and no longer walk alone on the local fields because of it.

I wish it were just SM hype. Vanilla I would like to know if you have a figures to back up your claims of it being unlikely to happen?

I don't have any figures - my observations are just that, observations, and are based on what I've seen locally as a dog walker and on social media.

While thefts may well be on the rise, I just don't think numerous social media posts that don't have any hard facts are helpful in this scenario - official police warnings are very different to random posts by Anne at number 23 who thinks a chalk mark on her wall means thieves are in the area.

The risk needs to be considered and some changes made for dog owners to keep their dogs safe (not hysterical or panic )

Of course risk needs to be weighed up, but I do all the things you listed as standard anyway. I mean, I would never dream of leaving my dog unattended anywhere that isn't inside my own home, even if there wasn't a risk of theft. To me, that's just basic common sense.

That being said, I do think some dog owners are incredibly lax about their pets' safety and if this means they tighten up, then that can only be a good thing. I see so many people who ignore their dogs while they run riot, who let their dogs wander off-lead by roads, who leave their dogs unattended in gardens for hours on end - that shocks me and worries me more than theft does.

Yep, we are due to get a puppy in the new year but this is a real concern. Considering installing CCTV before puppy arrives, and I know it is a desirable breed which would likely be stolen. There's a lot of it going about.

There is a lot of scaremongering on SM though.
The chalk marks on your wall or door was found not to be related to dog thefts.
Most dogs that were ‘definitely stolen from a completely secure garden’ turn out to have escaped and then make their own way home shortly after.
Thefts for baiting does still happen but really not as common as made out.

Thefts are mostly from breeders or working dog, those left in outside kennels or outbuildings.

Thefts are mostly from breeders or working dog, those left in outside kennels or outbuildings
It’s also very popular ‘instagram’ breeds Like Poms, Chis and poodle mixes that can be sold for a great deal of money and/or bred from.
It’s also sighthounds (as mentioned earlier) for coursing.
And it’s also working dogs like mine; spaniels, collies, labs etc

www.swlondoner.co.uk/news/21122020-dog-stolen-from-wimbledon-pensioner-in-violent-robbery/

This happened recently near us and for some reason really affected me. That poor man being assaulted for his dog - basically no one on their own could fight off 2 young men I don't think, especially when someone approaches you from behind. And also poor Ted doesn't look like a young dog and also male so won't be used for breeding - just seems a theft to on sell :(.

I regularly walk mine on my own and it has really made me think twice about that.

I think it's a balance. I might get mugged walking down the street but won't stop carrying money or wearing my favourite jewellery just in case it happens but I also won't stand in an area noted for mugging waving my watch about.

I think it's about being mindful that it can happen, listen to your gut when outside which I would do anyway if approached but I won't stop walking my dog off lead on the off chance I might be very unlucky to cross a dog thief.

I think it’s different if you’re mugged though, I certainly feel that way anyway. I would just hand over my belongings and hope they’d go away. I’d be traumatised but the things they’d steal would be replaceable. My dog is different, I’d fight back and our whole family would be forever changed. We’d be devastated.

I agree it’s a balance though, I actually don’t live in a particularly high crime area and I don’t want it to ch age our enjoyment of him or change his quality of life due to my fear. I’m equally as anxious about my children and I don’t let it impact their freedom either.

As biteyshark says - a bit of common sense is needed. The likelihood of this happening to an individual is low. I refuse to live in fear of this!

@HappyThursdays

https://www.swlondoner.co.uk/news/21122020-dog-stolen-from-wimbledon-pensioner-in-violent-robbery/

This happened recently near us and for some reason really affected me. That poor man being assaulted for his dog - basically no one on their own could fight off 2 young men I don't think, especially when someone approaches you from behind. And also poor Ted doesn't look like a young dog and also male so won't be used for breeding - just seems a theft to on sell :(.

I regularly walk mine on my own and it has really made me think twice about that.

But as shocking as that story is, the reason it made headline news is because it's so incredibly rare.

Rare crimes hit the news because they're shocking and scary and catch people's attention. Sadly, I suspect it also hit the news because the victim was a pensioner.

Of course it's tragic that it happened but the likelihood of it happening to you is still incredibly small, and living your life in fear (and therefore limiting your dogs life as a result) isn't really the answer imo.

I agree and I haven't changed anything but it has made me a lot more aware walking the dog on my own

When we took out the pet insurance I got an email from direct line that said 52% of dogs were stolen from gardens (it would have been prior years I assume) so I think it's just as important to make sure the garden is secure.

When we took out the pet insurance I got an email from direct line that said 52% of dogs were stolen from gardens (it would have been prior years I assume) so I think it's just as important to make sure the garden is secure.

I'd be really interested to know where they get statistics like that from - I mean, unless it's proven by the police and the perpetrator is arrested, how do they know a dog has been stolen?

Dogs escape from gardens and through open doors ALL the time. If the owner wasn't there or doesn't have CCTV or a witness, then in the nicest possible way, how do they know what happened?

Have no idea! But I assume stolen from gardens would also include stealing dogs in kennels which happens more often rurally than in big cities

@HappyThursdays

Have no idea! But I assume stolen from gardens would also include stealing dogs in kennels which happens more often rurally than in big cities

Yeah, you could be right. Lots of dogs and puppies are stolen from breeding kennels and outbuildings sadly - and often sold on quickly or used by puppy farms.

We have a had a few stolen where we live, and a few attempts. Some of it may have been exaggerated but I know two people who’s dogs got stolen, one from a garden and one from a break in. Another friend of a friend was approached and questioned about her dog then followed, could have been nothing but we are much more careful now and aware of our surroundings.

I don’t leave our puppy in the garden unattended, even though we have high fences but that’s more because she eats everything she sees really.

Im not in the UK but dog thefts are rife here too. We live rurally in the middle of the forest with no close neighbours, it wouldnt be difficult for someone to watch our property without being noticed.

PoleDog is a working dog (Great Pyr) he lives in the house as he is also a very pampered pet, and he is extremely suspicious of strangers and very aware of what`s happening, but PolePup is a Poodle cross, and is one of the most frequently stolen designer crosses.
PolePup is very aloof and disinterested in other dogs and strangers, which is reassuring, though he is civil and well mannered to people and dogs alike.

Like a PP I don`t let people touch my dogs either, I walk my dogs on short leads at heel when we are out and about, not that people should be close enough to touch them at the minute anyway.

I am concerned, my dogs are my world. I take sensible precautions, and dogs aren`t ever allowed off lead in public here except in designated dog parks or on your own property, which helps make it safer too.

I am equally concerned about PolePup being attacked by other dogs whilst out on walks. Its not that likely with PoleDog about as he thinks Pup hung the moon and is very protective of him, but I have had a few of my fosters attacked in the past, thankfully none fatally .

There are so many irresponsible owners, and that just seems to have been amplified by Covid. I have had my own dogs and fostered for many years, and things are definitely worse of late.

Sadly it is widespread in Ireland.
Despite different ministers promising tougher sanctions nothing changes.

A recent theft involved hacking the microchip off the dog.
How barbaric is that

Apparently dog theft was up by 250% this year. I don’t know if it was fuelled by all the people getting puppies in lockdown or to meet the demand.

I’m amazed how many times I see dogs tied up outside local shop. This is a big risk as it takes seconds to nick a dog simply tied alone to a post. Mostly targeting small lap dog breeds, also French bulldogs, pugs (anything that’s deemed in fashion, also working spaniels , staffies , and lurcher and terriers. Don’t answer questions on your dog if feel unsure of the person or seems too interested. Don’t get in too much of a routine with walking routes, don’t leave dog unattended in car, make garden secure and if possible screened/out of view to passers by. Consider carrying a rape alarm if you’re worried. Find some other dog walkers to walk with. Loads of us crave other dog owners company for walks. I got a house alarm which is linked to my mobile and monitored, for the few times dog has to left alone. Consider CCTV for your property. Don’t leave dog unattended for long periods in garden, most dogs are stolen from insecure gardens or tied up somewhere. Do all the things that make you vigilant and know that in doing so you are much less likely to be targeted. And enjoy your dog!!,

Seen so many stolen dog posts on Facebook this year compared to previous years & can understand why with such high prices. Many are clearly targeting commercial/outdoor kennels or litters in a home, but all sorts seem to be stolen.

I've had sighthounds for years which along with gundogs have always been a desirable target so been a bit more aware taking advice not leave tied up or in the car unattended & indeed read accounts
where people's dogs were just taken off them while out walking, attempted distract & snatch or followed by vans. There was a group of men at a lurcher show that were escorted off site who had been scoping round cars for dogs, I had passed earlier & got dodgy vibes as looking a bit too long at the dogs & didn't have any with them. At the pub was asked about my lurcher which isn't unusual but the guy while giving her a fuss quickly checked her ears (tattoos?) & teeth, then whispered something to lady which freaked me out, it was not a relaxing walk home after. Grateful she looks very elderly now.

I've never worried walking with my big dog in quiet places as he can look intimidating to the unknown & wasn't a desirable breed, that doesn't feel quite as comforting at the moment.

I would honestly die of a broken heart if anything happened to my baby. Luckily, he is a GSD who looks a bit tougher than he actually is (a wimp according to our dog walker). But our dog walker did say my boy is exactly the kind of dog dog-thieves target :(

Due to working from home he's never left alone. A concealed dog tracker on his harness also gives us peace of mind to a certain extent.

We never leave him in the garden unattended anyway (gross habit of eating poo) has got us into good habits.

But I am extremely paranoid as he has not been neutered and we don't plan to do so (our behaviourist agreed this was best my dog).

I am concerned yes

All dogs are valuable to be stolen whether they are a sought after breed or not

They could be stolen for the pet trade, breeding, fighting, hunting or used as bait dogs.

We don’t have s dog, but I have heard from other dog owners that dig theft is becoming increasingly common and the thieves bolder. Some friends were followed by a man in a busy park in broad daylight who was staring at their Labrador pup. They were even with their dog trainer at the time who noticed the man as well.

I think its best to be cautious. I certainly wouldn’t leave my dog unattended or allow them far away from me off the lead. I also would be hesitant to allow my children to walk the dog alone. An opportunistic thief could well grab a dog from a child without too much difficulty.

I'm not that concerned but I've a huge idiot of a Dalmatian who would not easily be whisked off from a walk and is well supervised at home. I can understand concern if you have a smaller more easily nabbed dog.