Dog theft: 20K stolen in last 10 years

A decade-long report that tracked dog thefts and recoveries to owners has revealed the current state of the nation. What has been successful in ending the practice, and what still needs to be done. 

The report, by Direct Line, found that 23,430 dogs were stolen in the UK between 2014 and 2024. 5,005 – approximately 21% – were successfully returned to their owners**. The highest number of thefts occurred in 2021, when 2,760 dogs were taken.

While dog theft remains a significant issue, 1,808 dogs were stolen in 2024. The implementation of the Pet Abduction Act in May 2024 has clearly played a positive impact, resulting in a 21% decrease in thefts. The Act made pet abduction a criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland, punishable by up to five years in prison.

Aston spoke to Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today Magazine, patron of Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance and founder of The Bark Angel.

Photo by Berkay Gumustekin on Unsplash