A two-year investigation by The Mirror has revealed that dog thefts have risen by 20% in the UK. The newspaper has revealed their inquiry found that more than 2,400 dogs have been stolen in the last two years with the illegal activity worth an estimated £100,000 to gangs.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers, which often get a bad rep from the media, are by far the most targeted dog breed, which could worryingly be tied to a rise in dog fighting reports.
Photo Credit: starsandspirals
Speaking to the newspaper, Sylvia Tabor, chairman of the Dog Theft Action charity, said: “For thieves, the rewards can be high and the risks low. So it’s sadly seen as easy money. In law, dogs are classed as property like a TV, so sentences are low for taking a living creature away from its family. Unfortunately, it can also often be seen as a low priority by police.”
If you’re worried your dog could be targeted, read K9 Magazine’s guide to keeping your dog safe: http://www.k9magazine.com/ebook-keep-your-dog-safe/
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2 comments
if the law would come down HARD on these criminals, regardless of age, maybe it might stop???
in the past few years we have been too easy with people who break the law, especially when it comes to animals.
i don’t care how these criminals were brought up, or what they were deprived of as children, make them pay for their horrendous acts toward people and animals.
enough coddling any criminal.
Wonder where these notorious thieve could find secondary market to sell the stolen pet, more particularly in developed societies of UK and USA. Each dog should get registered with his owner identity and address. and no one sell a pet without surrendering his ID to prospective buyer. It should be crime to do otherwise.