This column is written for the Stray Ferret by Kimberley Metcalfe. Kimberley has an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Her company Pooches Galore is based in Harrogate and specialises in dog training and resolving canine behavioural problems.

 

 

There has been so much in the media recently regarding the rise of dog thefts, and the fear of dog thefts has been a hot topic across all social media for a few months now.

Many dog owners have been taking extra precautions to keep their dogs safe. This rise may be in part due to the huge increase in the number of people taking on a dog during the lockdowns of the past year - The Kennel Club reported a 168% increase in people searching for puppies from the start of lockdown compared to 2019! This huge boom has led to dogs selling for more and more, so it is perhaps unsurprising that thefts have seen a double-digit increase compared to the year before.

When I asked my Instagram followers if they were concerned about this increase in dog thefts and what they were doing to keep themselves and their dog safe. I was almost overwhelmed by how worried people were about their dog being stolen and the steps people were taking to keep their dog safe.

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Read More:

• Is dog theft increasing in Harrogate district?


• Kim’s Canines: things to know when purchasing a puppy

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The police and the RSPCA suggest measures that people can take to keep their dogs safe. These include:

• Neutering your dog or telling people that your dog is neutered.


• Ensuring their microchip details are up to date.


• Not putting their name on the collar, but making sure your phone number and address is on the collar.


• Not leaving them alone outside shops or in the garden.


• Being wary of people who take too much interest in your dog.


• Varying your walking route and patterns.


• If you post about your dog on social media, not uploading your location while you are there.

If your dog is stolen you need to immediately notify your microchip database and inform the police. Send your dog’s details to DogLost and Animal Search UK and post all over social media to raise awareness. If you think your dog is lost, retrace your steps, inform the local dog warden, and speak to people on your walks to see if anyone has seen your dog.

Please remember that although the numbers of dog thefts have been on the rise, such crimes are still rare and the chances of your dog being lost or stolen are slim.