7woofers are nicked EVERY day

DOG THEFTS’ BIG SURGE

SEVEN dogs were stolen every day last year as pet thefts soared during lockdown.

An estimated 2,438 canines were reported pinched to police across the UK – an increase of a fifth on 2019.

The theft explosion came as the RSPCA warned backyard breeders were passing off mongrel pups as sought-after designer dogs like cockapoos to rake in extra cash.

According to a study by Direct Line Pet Insurance, Staffordshire bull terriers were the most targeted – and accounted for 21% of all reported thefts.

Crossbreeds were the second most popular ahead of spaniels.

Madeline Pike, veterinary nurse for

Direct Line Pet

Insurance, said: “It’s incredibly sad to see the number of dog thefts rising by such a large proportion. “Thieves know how valuable these breeds can be and see them as a commodity rather than a member of the family.” Researchers found 2.2million people bought a new dog in the first six months of the pandemic last year, spending £800 on average.

As lockdown restrictions ease up, insurers urged owners to be extra vigilant about leaving their pets at home when working. Ms Pike added: “Taking simple precautions, plus microchipping, will help reduce the risk of being targeted.”