Dog thefts rise as thieves target Staffies

Five dogs are being stolen every day across the UK, an investigation has found.

Research by pet insurance at Direct Line showed a 19 per cent rise of the number of dogs stolen in 2016 compared to 2014, with 1,774 dogs reported stolen compared with 1,491 two years earlier.

The Staffordshire bull terrier was the most stolen breed of dog, with 634 thefts – making up 42 per cent of the total.

Prit Powar, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, said: “It is perhaps unsurprising that the Staffordshire bull terrier is the dog most often reported stolen, given it is one of the most common dog breeds in the UK.”

Designer breeds – such as miniature pugs and Chihuahuas – popular with celebrities have also been targeted by thieves.

Mr Powar said: “Pedigree dog owners should be particularly vigilant.”