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Dog
theft on the increase
OWNERS of pedigree dogs across the UK are living in fear of
what appears to be an organised crime ring – or individual
crime rings – stealing pedugree dogs to order or for ransom.
Although the police forces in various counties treat the thefts
as random, isolated incidents, there is nothing random or isolated
about the escalating number of thefts. The crime syndicate’s
modus operandi is to make careful observations of the dogs they
intend to steal – usually from dog owners who breed or
exhibit their dogs regularly at shows and who, in many cases,
live in isolated homes. Then the gang move in when the owners
are not about and steal the dogs they require. The thieves then
contact the distraught owners and demand a "ransom"
– usually hundreds of pounds – for the dogs’
safe return. Sometimes the thieves are far more blatanat and
simply steal the dog from the owner.
Only recently, a Hertfordshire woman was slashed with a knife
when she tried to prevent thieves form seizing her dog whilst
she was out walking it.
The situation has become worse in recent months and many animal
charities and rescue organisations are urging dog owners to
be on their guard. The BBC’s Crimewatch programme are highlighting
dog theft in their edition due to be screened on May 28th.
Part of the problem is that police forces are reluctant to list
dogs as stolen, preferring to enter all such criemjs as merely
the dog being ‘lost’ or ‘going missing’.
Two years ago, when investigating the problem of an organised
dog stealing ring in southern England, OUR DOGS spoke to Kent
police and asked them how many dog thefts they had listed in
their area.
A spokesman for Kent police declined to make an official comment,
but said that, having made enquiries at several Kent police
stations said: "We do not have a problem with dog thefts
in the area and I can find none listed." When challenged
about the sheer number of thefts in the past three months, the
spokesman repeated, "We do not have a problem that I am
aware of."
Up to 80% of exhibitors in some breeds at dog shows have now
taken advantage of a recent KC ruling which prevents them form
having their address and telephone number details listed in
show catalogues.
Next week, OUR DOGS will present an in-depth investigation into
the growing problem of dog theft and will be asking the question:
Should the authorities be doing more to protect our property?
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