STOP, THIEF! ★
An update on dog theft and how we can protect our precious pets and keep them as safe as possible.
According to a survey by Nottinghamshire Police, dog owners are becoming increasingly fearful of walking their pets, and are being urged by the Kennel Club to remain on their guard, both at home and when out and about.
Yet, despite the lurid headlines, the Kennel Club also reassures owners that a Freedom of Information request to UK police forces from animal rescue service and charity Battersea suggests pet theft increased only slightly during the pandemic.
“To help prevent dog theft and keep their dogs safe, owners should remain vigilant and take precautions,” advised Kennel Club spokesperson Bill Lambert, who acknowledges there’s a link between spiralling puppy prices and dog theft.
“Over the past year, more people have wanted dogs than were available. This simple supply and demand issue has certainly contributed to higher puppy prices, as well as many scammers and rogue breeders cashing in.
“Many factors, including the increased demand and price of puppies, and, devastatingly, more people desperately getting puppies any which way from disreputable sources at a high price, could be contributing to the alleged rise in dog theft. Popular breeds, like French Bulldogs, as well as
‘designer’
cross-breeds like Cockerpoos, seem to increasingly be the victims of dog theft, as prices climbed during lockdown and demand continues to grow,” continued Bill. “Criminals see a money making opportunity and exploit these bursts of popularity; often these dogs can be sold for thousands of pounds,” he added.
“However, we also believe that tougher sentencing for dog theft is necessary in order to tackle the problem. Currently, the theft of a dog is treated no more seriously than the theft of a mobile phone, despite the utter heartbreak it causes, making it a low-risk crime as well as a profitable one.”
The Kennel Club believes that once the supply and demand for puppies balances out, and the country returns to more ‘normal’ times, prices should return to ‘normal’ levels too.
“We would remind puppy buyers that prices aren’t always indicative of the quality or value of a puppy, and the most important thing is to find a responsible breeder and assess whether the price tag reflects the care that has gone into breeding,” added Bill, who advises potential puppy purchasers to thoroughly research the right breed for their lifestyle and understand how to find and recognise a reputable breeder.
“Any potential owner should remember that it isn’t unusual to be put on a waiting list when buying from a responsible breeder who prioritises health and welfare and is doing all they can to produce healthy, happy puppies.”
COLLARING THE CRIMINALS
Following the results of a survey launched by Nottinghamshire’s deputy police and crime commissioner (DPCC) Emma Foody, a three-point plan has been created to tackle dog theft in the county and beyond.
Along with a renewed focus on safety advice for owners and the formation of a ‘canine coalition’ of dog welfare organisations, a new innovative role has been created within Nottinghamshire Police.
Chief Inspector Amy Styles-Jones, 41, is the first officer in the country to be appointed as a dedicated dog theft lead. Amy’s remit will include taking a strategic overview of dog thefts and mistreatment in the county, analysing trends, coordinating resources, and working alongside partners to prevent and investigate crimes involving dogs. She’ll work closely with officers who investigate individual dog thefts, including neighbourhood and response officers. We
“Criminals see a money making opportunity and exploit these bursts of popularity...”
caught up with Amy to find out more…
Q Are you looking forward to the challenge and what will be the first task on your agenda?
“I thought I would be able to quietly celebrate my promotion — but no chance with all the media coverage! It’s been different but exciting and it’s all positive. I am really pleased to be appointed to this role and I’m keen to get going as quickly as possible and make a difference.
“My first priority will be to understand the issue of dog theft in Nottinghamshire — the number of cases and size of the problem — and make sure we are asking all the right questions at the front end. We’ll also be appointing officers to champion the subject of dog theft within their role.”
Q How can you reassure dog owners?
“I’ll be looking closely at the data over the last year to 18 months. Dog theft is not currently a huge problem in Nottinghamshire and we want it to stay that way and prevent a major spike here.
“But I want to reassure people that if they want to report any concerns about their dogs being stolen, we will take that seriously.”
Q How can owners keep their dogs and themselves safe, both at home and while out on walks?
“One of the best things is having your dog microchipped, and making sure you keep your details up-to-date with the microchipping company, and have them to hand if the worst should happen. This is one of the fastest ways to track stolen animals and can really save you the heartache.
“In and around your home, ensure all perimeters are as secure as possible — over half of dog thefts are from gardens.
“Out and about, keep your dog on his lead if his recall is bad and vary your routes and the times you go out.”
Q What sort of message do you hope to send out to the heartless criminals who steal dogs?
“I want to make it clear to anybody involved in dog theft or the mistreatment of animals that it will not be tolerated.”
Q Will you be liaising with other police forces and comparing notes about their strategies regarding dog theft?
“I am very keen to learn and understand what other forces are doing so we can establish best practices in investigating this type of crime and work out how processes can be improved.”
Q
Do you think being a dog owner means you can relate better to people who have been victims of this sort of crime as well as those who are worried about their pets being stolen?
“Definitely. As a dog owner myself, I know just how worrying this issue is, and I’m determined to fight for tougher penalties for those involved in this despicable crime. Dogs are part of the family and not just a piece of property. I want to make it clear to the people of Nottinghamshire that we understand that.”
Q
Tell us a bit about your own dogs.
“I have three short-haired Chihuahuas — Tink, who’s 15 and the leader; Jasper, who’s 11; and four-year-old Josie, who’s crazy but cute. Being small, they’re all really easy to look after and are a big part of the family.”