The disturbing rise of UK dog thefts
UK DOG THEFTS ARE AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH AS REPEATED LOCKDOWNS FUEL DEMAND
When Lady Gaga’s dog walker was shot trying to protect her three French bulldogs from being stolen in the US in February, it was an extreme example of what has become a horrifyingly common occurrence here. As the UK prepared to lock down for the first time last March, the prospect of spending months at home caused many people to decide to get a dog. But demand soon outstripped availability, prices skyrocketed, and criminals saw a way to make fast cash – by stealing beloved pets, either to sell or to exploit for breeding. Dog thefts have now become part of the activity of organised criminal gangs. In September 2020, police launched a major raid in Orpington, targeting the supply of guns and drugs across London. During the raid, 17 stolen dogs were recovered, and many of them had had their microchips removed, so haven’t yet been traced back to their owners. Anyone who can identify the dogs
(see picture, above right) should call
101 and quote “Operation Medusa”.
And last month, police in Ipswich discovered 83 stolen dogs as part of an investigation into dog theft.
Tragically, a quick scan of social media reveals countless appeals for information on pets that have been taken, many where owners were physically attacked. One such appeal is the Facebook group “Stolen Ted SW20”, which has 24,000 members, and is offering a £5,000 reward for Ted, a short-tailed Sprocker Spaniel who was stolen on 15 December 2020. Owner Mike Jasper was walking Ted on Cannon Hill Common in London when he was punched to the ground
and Ted stolen. The assailants are described as two white males in their late 20s, both around 5ft 10in-5ft 11in. Anyone with information can visit the page and phone anonymously. Ted’s owner has been left with PTSD, and countless other owners are bereft. But the law doesn’t reflect this devastation.
REFORM NEEDED
Currently, animals are classed as property, and thieves are charged under the Theft Act 1968. But, as
The Dogs Trust have pointed out, “Because the penalty is often decided based on the monetary value of the dog, the reality is that someone who steals a pet will likely just receive a fine.” This is no deterrent – particularly as dogs are now changing hands for thousands of pounds – and it doesn’t even begin to take into account the emotional pain of owners. Dr Daniel Allen from Keele University is spearheading the Pet Theft Reform campaign, which wants to see, “an increase in the sentencing powers available for the courts to hand down to those found guilty of stealing a companion animal”. He said, “Pet theft has become a low-risk, high-reward crime, despite the devastating impact it has on families. Bringing forward a specific offence would be an important addition to new laws to protect animals. Pet Theft Reform has public and crossparty support, and the Secretary of State for Justice has the opportunity to make this a reality.” However, when the matter was debated in Parliament earlier this year, the lukewarm response was, “While the Government takes the
‘SOMEONE WHO STEALS A PET WILL LIKELY JUST GET A FINE’
issue of dog theft seriously and is concerned by suggestions that occurrences are on the rise, we consider the legislative tools we have in place… to be robust and proportionate. However… we continue to keep things under review, and are keen to explore ways to address the issue that will be effective and have a meaningful impact on the problem.” They also suggested ways to reduce the risk of theft, saying, “This includes never letting their pet out of sight when it is being exercised, varying routines when walking their dogs, and not leaving their dog unattended… Owners should report the theft to the database on which the animal’s microchip is registered, along with the corresponding crime reference number.” All well and good, but that advice wouldn’t have helped owners like Mike, who were subjected to violence during their pets’ abductions. The only thing that will stop this escalating, crime is tougher penalties for criminals, and for prospective owners to check where they are buying from. If you have unwittingly bought an animal you now suspect may have been stolen or bred from an exploited dog, talk to the police. You could help spare both humans and animals from future misery.
For now, the campaign continues
– you can still email your own MP to call for stricter reform – the search for missing animals continues, and the heartbreak of owners continues.
If you are looking for a pet, and are not adopting a rescue, always buy from legitimate breeders where you can see the home and evidence of ownership. For help if your dog is missing, visit Stolenandmissingpetsalliance.co.uk