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Dogs are the most popular type of pets in the UK with approximately 13.5 million of them kept as pets across the country. Their popularity rose considerably in 2020 and 2021, although it dropped slightly last year, as many owners had to relinquish their pets as a result of money problems and a return to working in the office.
The cost of buying a dog can range from £250 right up to £2,500 or more, depending on the breed and the seller, and this has led to a continued increase in the number of dogs that are stolen or dognapped. In some cases, the owner is contacted and asked to pay a ransom for the safe return of their dog, but in most instances, the thief sells the dog to an unsuspecting new owner.
The XL Bully, which is now a restricted breed in the UK, is one of the most commonly stolen breeds, along with French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs, because these have the highest price tags.
Not all regions release statistics related to dog thefts, and figures aren’t always released every year. But, below, we have rounded up 12 statistics related to the theft of dogs, including figures on the likelihood of the dogs being returned to their owners and a likely change in the laws surrounding dognapping.
The 12 Dognapping & Dog Theft Statistics in the UK
- There are 13.5 million dogs in the UK.
- 28% of UK adults own at least one dog.
- Dogs are the most commonly stolen pets.
- 2,290 dogs were stolen in the UK in 2023.
- The number of dogs stolen in the UK rose 6% in 2023, compared to the year before.
- Just 6% of stolen pets are eventually recovered.
- A new bill will finally make pet theft a specific crime with harsher penalties.
- London has the highest dog theft rates, followed by Lancashire and West Yorkshire.
- Thames Valley, Lincolnshire, and Surrey have the lowest theft rates.
- Hounslow is the London borough with the most dog thefts.
- South Wales police have the best record of returning stolen dogs.
- English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and XL Bullies are the most commonly stolen breeds.
The UK’s Dog Population
1. There are 13.5 million dogs in the UK.
(UK Pet Food)
Dogs are the most popular pets in the UK with an approximate population of 13.5 million kept in homes as companion animals. Cats are the second most popular species, with a population of about 1 million fewer in the country.
Dogs are typically kept for companionship and are widely considered to be part of the family, with many owners stating that they consider their dogs to be as important a family member as humans.
2. 28% of UK adults own at least one dog.
(PDSA)
More than a quarter of all UK adults keep at least one dog. 28% of adults have dogs, compared to 24% of UK adults who keep cats. About 24% of dog owners say they have more than one dog, which is lower than the 39% of cat owners who say they have multiple cats in their homes.
Dog Theft on the Rise
3. Dogs are the most commonly stolen pets.
(BBC)
Around 70% of pets stolen in the UK are dogs. This is because dogs cost more to purchase than most other pets which means greater profits for sellers. There are also a large number of websites and other locations where dogs can be bought and sold, making it easy for thieves to sell the dogs without fear of being caught.
And while most dogs are kept indoors, they are let outside in gardens to toilet and some are let off leads and even left outside shops while owners run inside, allowing thieves to quickly take the dogs and get away.
4. 2,290 dogs were stolen in the UK in 2023.
(Direct Line)
There were 2,290 cases of dog theft reported to UK police in 2023. This is the equivalent of 6 dogs per day being taken from loving homes and sold or kept by thieves.
5. The number of dogs stolen in the UK rose 6% in 2023, compared to the year before.
(Direct Line)
Dog theft isn’t a new problem and the number of dogs being taken from their homes is increasing annually. In 2023, 6% more dogs were stolen than in 2022.
6. Just 6% of stolen pets are eventually recovered.
(BBC)
Dogs are the most commonly stolen pets, followed by cats. There is more money to be made from stealing dogs, although some pedigree cats can sell for a lot of money, which puts these at risk. Overall, just 6% of stolen pets are recovered and returned to their owners.
However, some estimates suggest this figure is around 16% for dogs, partially because of the higher likelihood that dogs are microchipped. Microchipping not only helps ensure that lost and runaway dogs are returned to their owners, but it also makes identification of stolen dogs easier.
7. A new bill will finally make pet theft a specific crime with harsher penalties.
(UK Government)
Under current laws, the theft of a dog is treated in the same way as the theft of physical property. Following long campaigns by owners and animal welfare groups, the UK government has put forward a bill that would make pet theft a separate crime that carries harsher penalties.
On proposing the bill, the government says it recognises that cats and dogs are not inanimate objects and are loving members of families. The new law would see criminals convicted of stealing pets facing up to five years in prison, as well as possible fines. The law has yet to be passed but has made it through two rounds and only needs final approval.
Dog Theft Statistics
8. London has the highest dog theft rates, followed by Lancashire and West Yorkshire.
(Dogs Today Magazine)
Unsurprisingly considering the population numbers, London is the region of the UK that has the highest dog theft rates. The Metropolitan Police Service, which is responsible for policing the country’s capital, has recorded 1,842 dog thefts in the past 5 years, which works out to an average of 368 thefts each year.
Lancashire has seen 737 thefts, and West Yorkshire 727, during the same period.
9. Thames Valley, Lincolnshire, and Surrey have the lowest theft rates.
(Dogs Today Magazine)
While London has the highest rates of dog theft in the country, Thames Valley, Lincolnshire, and Surrey are reported as having the lowest rates of any region in the UK.
However, several police forces, including Greater Manchester Police and Police Scotland have not reported dog theft figures for this time.
10. Hounslow is the London borough with the most pet thefts.
(Metro)
Of the 32 boroughs in London, Hounslow has the highest number of recorded dog thefts with 95 animals stolen in the region in 2023. Brent had the second-highest rate with 50 reports of stolen pets during the same period. Islington, with 39 thefts, came in third.
The safest boroughs for pet families were Richmond, with 7 reported thefts, and Havering, Wandsworth, and Kingston-upon-Thames, all of which had 8 thefts in 2023. More than half of the thefts were of dogs, with approximately half as many cats taken.
11. South Wales police have the best record of returning stolen dogs.
(Direct Line 2)
Estimates on the number of animals returned to owners vary considerably. Some put the figure as low as 6%, while some believe the estimate to be closer to 25%. South Wales has the best record for reuniting victims with their stolen pups. Avon and Somerset Constabulary had the next best records.
12. English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and XL Bullies are the most commonly stolen breeds.
(Direct Line)
Although potentially any dog is at risk of being stolen, pedigree purebreds are at the highest risk because they fetch more money when sold. Of these, the most commonly stolen breeds are those that are most popular with buyers which typically also makes them the most expensive.
In 2023, the English Bulldog was the breed of dog most likely to be stolen with 50 cases, which was a 100% increase from 2022. 37 French Bulldogs were taken, representing a 37% decrease for the breed, and 37 XL Bullies were also stolen in the year that the breed was banned in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does pet insurance cover dog theft?
Although every policy is different, most pet insurance policies include a theft policy. The insurance company will pay a sum of money to go towards rewards, the printing of posters, and other costs accrued.
Some policies also pay an amount equivalent to the market value of the dog taken, although policyholders should check their terms as maximum amounts can vary.
What’s the punishment for dog theft?
Currently, the penalty for stealing pets is the same as for stealing any physical property like a mobile phone. New laws, which are set to be introduced by the end of the year, will see pet theft become a separate crime and carry financial penalties as well as a potential prison sentence of up to five years.
The new law has come after years of lobbying by animal welfare and pet owner groups and identifies the fact that pet theft has a greater psychological impact on the owner than the theft of property.
What should I do if my dog is stolen?
First, ensure your dog isn’t in the house or on your property. If you’re sure they’ve been stolen, contact the police and record the crime. Get the crime incident number. You should also contact your local council, in case your dog has been picked up by a local dog warden and speak to local rescues.
Contact your pet insurance company, with your police incident report number, and speak to them about how to go about advertising and to determine what they do and do not cover.
How can I prevent my dog from being stolen?
All dogs should be microchipped by the time they reach eight years of age, but you will also need to ensure that details are kept up to date, especially if you have moved since getting your dog.
Don’t leave your dog outside in easily accessible areas and limit the time they spend in the garden without you, especially if you live in an area where thefts are high. Don’t leave your dog outside shops and check for reports of dog thefts in your local area.
If you put a collar on your dog, don’t include the dog’s name, as this will make it easier for thieves to befriend the dog and take them. Take regular pictures of your pup, so you can use these for lost or stolen advertising, and don’t leave your dog unattended in your car.
If you notice somebody acting suspiciously, whether they are asking lots of questions about your dog or even following you on walks, report it to the police.
Conclusion
Dogs are the most popular pets in the UK with approximately 13.5 million of them sharing our homes and lives. The loss of a dog can be heartbreaking, but because of their popularity and the price they can fetch when sold, dog thefts are fairly common, more so in some areas than others.
More than 2,000 dogs are stolen every year, and sources suggest that only between 6% and 25% are returned to their owners. Use best practices to reduce the risk of your dog being stolen, and if your beloved pet is taken, report it to the police and speak to your insurance company.
Your insurance policy might cover the cost of advertising, which can greatly help increase the chances of getting your pet back.
Featured Image Credit: Daisy Daisy, Shutterstock
