Dog Theft - how to prevent your dog being stolen

Written on the 11 May 2022 by Kerri Vandenberg

The number of dogs reported lost or stolen is on the rise in the wake of the pandemic. This is a trend not just evident in Australia but across the world. 

Sadly, with the pet business becoming increasingly more lucrative there is a growing market for these stolen dogs – often fuelled by unsuspecting new owners or backyard.

Pets are still considered property, and stealing someone's beloved dog is no different than stealing a mobile phone or a TV set - resulting in a very light sentence even if the thief is caught, something that is unlikely to happen to begin with, while the potential profit is very high.

Even worse, recovering your stolen dog can become harder than recovering a stolen object: there have been cases where the dogs were sold on and the original owners, despite having proof of ownership, were told that it was "a civil matter" to settle in court and that the police wouldn't intervene to seize their pets and return them to their rightful owners. A stolen car or laptop, for example, would be returned to the owner right away!

The general perception is that dog theft is a 'casual' crime, committed on the spur of the moment in public places but in fact, very often, specific dogs are targeted.

The type of dogs stolen reflects those that are of the highest value for resale and breeding. Here is a list of the top 10 dogs targeted:

1.       Staffordshire Bull Terrier

2.       Crossbreed (designer dogs such as Cavoodles)

3.       Cocker Spaniel

4.       Bulldog

5.       Labrador

6.       Jack Russell

7.       Border Collie

8.       Springer Spaniel

9.       Chihuahua

10.   French Bulldog

High-Risk Pet Theft Scenarios

Highly Prized Breeds or Dogs With Special Abilities

A purebred dog or a dog with special skills is a bit like a gold watch. Thieves see dollar signs and that’s more than enough temptation. Any dog left unattended under any circumstances can be taken, but there is far greater motivation for criminals to walk off with a dog who can bring in a large sum of cash.  Be cautious when choosing someone who will care for your dog(s) while you are at work, in hospital or on holiday. Be clear about when the dog will be handed over and who will collect it.

Dogs in Cars

In the blink of an eye, a partially opened window can be forced down or the window smashed and your dog can be removed from the vehicle. It takes 20 seconds or less to abduct a dog and by the time you return to your car, your dog is long gone. 

Lockable dog crates can be an additional deterrent but a good rule of thumb is to treat your dog as you would your laptop or phone, which is not in full view and unattended!

Pets Left in Fenced Backyards

Everyone loves the convenience of a doggy door, especially criminals. Homeowners who let their pets explore the fenced yard without supervision have the illusion of safety, but police departments across the country will tell you that the theft of these dogs is climbing. Consider installing CCTV at your home and facing your yard!
Always ensure your fencing is adequate and check it regularly for wear and tear but also avoid leaving dogs unattended in gardens. Gardens where dogs are visible pose a higher risk of theft and some crooks will stop at nothing.

Pets left tethered outside of a retail outlet

This one may sound like a no-brainer, but particularly in urban areas where people take their pets on their errands on foot, it’s not uncommon to see dogs tied up in front of a bank or grocery store. Typically, these are smaller dogs who are also well-behaved and this makes them more likely to be stolen without a fuss. 

Strangers in the Neighbourhood

Any strangers on the property can be a risk to your pets. Whether they are invited contractors, deliverymen, or visitors could easily grab your pet whilst you’re being distracted. In some cases, they are making a mental note of homes with valuable breeds or easy-to-subvert home security that will facilitate a quick dog-napping at a later time.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe

New technology is being created every year in the fight against dog thieves. From cameras to location trackers, there’s a range of equipment that could help protect your dog.

•  Make sure your house is secure, including good window and door locks
• Install a Home security system. A home security system can be used to keep you, your family and your pets safe. Opt for a security system that is pet-friendly, meaning it won’t be set off by your dog.

Although dog theft is now a sad reality, an awareness of the problem and the use of deterrents may be the key to at least minimising the risk of theft. It is your best friend after all.