Owners fearful of Dog thefts with new survey revealing numbers are rising

TERRIFIED animal lovers are going to extreme lengths to protect their pooches after a huge rise in dognapping in Britain, a study shows. 

Two in five dog owners are refusing to let their pet off the lead, a third won't take them out after dark, a third are worried about leaving them home alone, and one in seven are taking them for fewer walks. 

The study, by Burns Pet Nutrition, shows that three-quarters of owners are concerned their pet will be stolen after a sharp rise in the price of dogs and in animal thefts over the past two years. 

Since the start of lockdown last year, the number of dogs ownerships in the UK has gone up almost 50 per cent, from 9million to 12.5million and the cost of buying popular breeds has trebled. 

In 2020 there were an estimated 2,355 cases of dog theft in Britain and that figure is expected to almost double this year because of a shortage of puppies for sale and a growing black market in stolen animals. 

John Burns from Burns Pet Nutrition said: "We would like to see the laws changed to protect our pets. Anyone who owns a dog will tell you that they treat them like a family member. The current maximum sentence of seven years in prison for stealing a pet is far too light and these longer sentences are rarely given out. The government must introduce tougher sentences for those caught stealing pets."  

"The new research has highlighted that pet owners are fearful of their beloved pets being taken. The numbers are shocking, and owners are right to be worried. Whilst thieves tend to target specific breeds, some will steal dogs simply to try and cash in on a reward. It's abhorrent and at Burns we feel the government must do more to curtail pet theft". 

The most popular breeds targeted by dognappers are 1. Staffordshire Bull Terriers, 2. Chihuahuas, 3. French bulldogs, 4. Jack Russells, 5. Pugs.