{"id":9099,"date":"2022-01-05T20:00:04","date_gmt":"2022-01-05T20:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=9099"},"modified":"2023-02-10T16:13:03","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T16:13:03","slug":"dog-thefts-on-the-rise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/dog-thefts-on-the-rise\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog Thefts on the Rise: What to Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"

With more news reporting dog thefts, many dog owners are living in fear. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve prepared some stats on dog thefts to show you how serious it is and how you can prevent your dog from being stolen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read on to learn more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Are <\/span>Dog Thefts on the Rise<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yes, dog thefts are on the rise in the US. There are no concrete dog theft statistics for 2021 yet, but many cases have been reported since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/span>
\n<\/span>AKC and <\/span>Adopt-a-Pet have already warned buyers to be aware of this situation<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although <\/span>pet ownership has grown by 300% in the last 30+ years<\/span><\/a>, the pandemic has increased it further. Pet thieves see this as their chance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Surprising <\/span>Dog Theft Statistics<\/span><\/h2>\n

We\u2019ve prepared some eye-opening statistics to show you how serious the situation is. So, let\u2019s start.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Approximately 2 million dogs are stolen each year.<\/span><\/h3>\n

(Yahoo, 2021)<\/span><\/p>\n

This is the approximate number, since not all owners report dog theft. But most websites put the number around 2 million, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 <\/span>Dog theft statistics<\/span> for <\/span>2020<\/span> show that in Phoenix, 13% more dogs were reported stolen than in 2019.<\/span><\/h3>\n

(Cronkite News, 2020)<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2019, the number of stolen pets was 137, while in 2020, the number grew to 155. This growth can be associated with the high demand for dogs due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. More than 196 dogs are stolen every month in the UK.<\/span><\/h3>\n

(The Kennel Club, 2021)<\/span><\/p>\n

This means that almost 50 dogs are stolen every week, and the numbers are growing, as the UK is currently dealing with significant problems regarding pet theft. The reports show that <\/span>the number of reported pet thefts grew 3.5% in just one year despite the fall in other crimes<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Lost and stolen pets with microchips are up to 20 times more likely to be retrieved.<\/span><\/h3>\n

(AKC Reunite, 2020)<\/span><\/p>\n

This is an AKC Reunite estimate, but microchips have proven to be helpful with lost pets. Though it can\u2019t prevent your pet from getting stolen, it can help you get your pet back.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Dog theft has grown more than 70% in the last 11 years.<\/span><\/h3>\n

(Alexandria Times, 2021)<\/span><\/p>\n

As mentioned, due to COVID-19 and the high demand for dogs, the number of stolen pets is growing. However, this stat shows that the numbers have been growing for a long time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Just keep in mind that the number is approximate and should be taken with a grain of salt.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Guide on Preventing Dog Kidnapping<\/span><\/h2>\n

With<\/span> dog thefts on the rise<\/span>, we\u2019ve prepared a thorough guide on dog thefts. So if you want to learn how to prevent your dog from getting stolen, what you can do to increase the chances of your dog being found, and what the laws say on this, read on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Are Dogs Stolen?<\/span><\/h3>\n

The first and most common reason why dogs are stolen is money. The thieves might try to <\/span>sell the dog for a lower price to unsuspecting buyers<\/span><\/a>, aka dog flipping. Or They might steal it in order to return it later for the reward money.<\/span><\/p>\n

They might also be stolen for breeding purposes. Unfortunately, some dogs might also be stolen in order to <\/span>participate in dog fights or serve as bait dogs<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

In rarer cases, the thieves want the pet for themselves but can\u2019t afford it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most Stolen Dog Breeds<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are some dog breeds that thieves prefer over others. Extremely expensive dogs, <\/span>dogs in demand<\/span><\/a>, and especially the smaller ones that are easier to grab and run away with, are their choice. This is why these are the top 10 kidnapped breeds.<\/span><\/p>\n