Five dogs stolen every day as demand soars for designer pets

FIVE dogs are reported stolen every day – with most never recovered – amid a soaring market for ‘designer’ pets.

Research found 1,909 dogs were taken last year, 7 per cent more than the 1,788 reported stolen in 2016.

But the actual number of ‘dog-nappings’ could be twice as high as many owners do not alert police when their pet is taken.

There has been a steady rise in dog thefts and illegal puppy breeding as thieves have looked to exploit the market for designer pets, which can sell for more than £1,000.

Only a small number are ever found with just one in five returned to their owners. Experts claim criminals have become more organised as illegal puppy breeding has become more profitable. More than 700,000 puppies are sold each year in a trade worth up to £300million.

The most stolen breed was the Staffordshire bull terrier, with 210 thefts reported according to Direct Line Pet Insurance which published figures from 34 police forces.

Crossbreeds such as Cockapoos and Puggles were the second most stolen, with 82 thefts in the same period. And thefts of breeds such as French bulldogs, pictured, which are popular with celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, Lady Gaga and Madonna, have increased. Last year 61 were stolen, compared to 48 in 2016 – a rise of 27 per cent.

Prit Powar, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, said if an owner suspects their dog has been stolen they should report it to the police immediately.