Dog Thefts on the Rise in UK

17 Jul 08

Dog owners in Wetherby district have been warned about dog thieves. As have dog owners in North London. Wetherby Police believe the theft of a valuable gun dog called Beth from the Harewood estate last weekend could be the first sign that a recent national trend of pedigree dog thefts has come to the area.

Understandably the Francis family, including 8 year old Josh, have been devestated with the loss of their beloved hound. Mr Francis said: “She’s part of the family as well, a big part. My son thinks the world of her. It’s like having one of your children abducted.”

Mr Francis believes Beth was taken over their other dogs, including her mother and grandfather, because she is young and the most valuable. The family is offering a substantial reward for her safe return.

Sgt Paul Bilton of Wetherby Police admits that “Nationally, it’s a problem. For.. breeds of dogs that are valuable, theft is on the increase. We’re concerned that we’ve got the possibility of animal thieves working on us. We have a lot of farms and working dogs out there and we don’t want a spate of dog thefts if we can avoid it.”

Jane Hayes, founder of doglost.co.uk, which works to recover missing or stolen dogs from across the UK, said cases of dogs mysteriously going missing had risen sharply in recent months. “It tends to be working dogs such as lurchers, terriers, spaniels which are taken from rural properties…” “They are stolen for badger baiting or illegal hare coursing…”

Jane advises all two-legged dog companioins to have their four-legged friends microchipped and neutered. Apparently neutered animals are less desirable because less valuable. She also recommends that dog owners vary the times and places they walk their pets.

Gggrrwwoooof! Dangerous times….

Archie