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Charity issues stark warning as pet thefts from homes soar

25th July 2019
Posted by Aston Avery

National pet charity, Blue Cross is urging pet owners to be vigilant and ensure their beloved animals aren’t on show to passers-by as new figures reveal twice as many dogs are stolen from inside the home than public spaces, parks and gardens.

The figures, obtained under the freedom of information act, show a total of 1,823 dogs were stolen in 2018 as well as 353 cats. Fashionable ‘flat faced’ dogs, such as French bulldogs and pugs, are being targeted – three times as many French bulldogs were stolen last year than in 2015.

However, the overwhelming majority (84%) of pet owners feel their furry friends are 100% safe when in the home, despite three quarters (75%) saying their pet enjoys sitting in the window, where they are clearly visible to passers-by.

Aston spoke to Diane James from Blue Cross pet charity’s Pet Bereavement Support Service, which helps hundreds of pet owners every year cope with the loss of a pet to discuss the shocking new figures and help pet owners how to best prevent their animals being stolen.