Four dogs were stolen every day across the UK last year, with French bulldogs, Staffordshire bull terriers and dachshunds most at risk, new data has revealed.The figure brings the total number of reported dog thefts to around 25,000 over the last 11 years, analysis of police data by Direct Line has found.But thefts overall have declined 11 per cent compared with the previous year.Improved awareness and the introduction of the Pet Abduction Act in May 2024, which made pet theft a specific criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland, could have contributed to this, the insurer said.French bulldogs remain the most stolen breed, but Staffordshire bull terriers, German shepherds and dachshunds are being increasingly targeted.Despite ranking eighth overall, cocker spaniels recorded the fastest growth in reported thefts compared with the previous year.An estimated 344 stolen dogs were reunited with their owners – a recovery rate of 21 per cent, in line with previous years.Half of UK dog owners (50 per cent) worry about their pet being stolen, with 33 per cent saying they only ever walked their dog on a lead and 26 per cent supervising their dog while it is in the garden, a survey for Direct Line revealed.
Four dogs were stolen every day in UK last year - is YOUR pet at risk?
Daily Mail's interactive map show which areas in the UK are most at risk for dog thefts - as new data reveals four dogs were stolen every day across the nation in the last year.
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