Five dogs per day stolen last year, Direct Line finds
However, around one in five (19%) dogs were returned to their owners in 2024, one of the lowest levels of pets reunited in the insurer’s decade of tracking dog thefts
An estimated 1,808 dogs were stolen across the UK in 2024, the equivalent of five every day, according to a new analysis of police force data by Direct Line Pet Insurance.
Despite the high number of dog thefts, this figure represents a 21 per cent decrease compared to 2023, which saw an estimated 2,290 dogs stolen nationwide.
This comes after The Pet Abduction Act came into effect in May 2024, making pet theft a criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland. The reduction in thefts may be an early sign that the new law is having a positive impact.
However, around one in five (19%) dogs were returned to their owners in 2024, one of the lowest levels of pets reunited in the insurer’s decade of tracking dog thefts.
Adam Burgin, head of Direct Line Pet Insurance, said: “As a nation of pet lovers we hope to continue the downward trend in the number of stolen dogs. Our research over the last decade has shown dog theft is a persistent issue and hopefully the Pet Abduction Act 2024 will encourage a change in criminal behaviour in the long-term.
“Those who have fallen victim to dog theft will know the intense stress and trauma that comes with having their beloved pet snatched away from them, often with no closure on knowing what happened to a member of their family.”
He added: “Despite a decline in reported dog thefts, fear of theft remains a major concern for the estimated 28 per cent of UK adults owning a dog. Six in ten (61%) dog owners say they are worried about the possibility of their dog being stolen and more than a third (33%) say they feel ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ worried.
“As a result, dog owners are taking extra care to keep their pets safe. Two in five (40%) say they would only ever walk their dog on a lead, with one in ten (10% using a “theft proof” lead.Finding a smart tech solution, 17% of UK dog owners have attached a tracking device, such as an Apple Tag or GPS system, to their dogs to keep track of their pet’s location.”
