DOG thieves are reportedly targeting bulldogs and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, as pet thefts have surged by 30 percent across a single UK county.
Dog thefts: Woman shares her story after pet stolen
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A total of 215 dogs were stolen in Merseyside between January 2017 and December 2021. The statistics, revealed through Freedom of Information Requests filed by the Liverpool ECHO, showed that bulldogs were the most likely breed to be stolen in the region, with 36 being stolen from homes over the last five years. On average, 43 dogs are stolen each year.Express yourself. Dogs’ ears are extremely expressive. It’s no wonder! There are more than a dozen separate muscles that control a dog’s ear movements.
However, 2020 saw a large decrease in stolen pets as a result of lockdown restrictions.
The second most likely dog breed to be stolen is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, with 28 being stolen since January 2017.
A total of 11 American Bulldogs were taken in the same time period, making them the third most likely to be stolen.In joint fourth place are Bull Terriers and Jack Russels, with nine of each being stolen.German Shepherds, Pugs and Shi Tzus were tied in sixth place.
Speaking to TeamDogs, Janine Walsh said: "Two men were standing at the door, I opened the door thinking it was my son's friends but saw they were in balaclavas so tried to slam the door and they kicked their way through.Plan for When You’re Not There. Make sure your pets are provided for during those long hours when you’re away. Dr. Becker suggests technological options. “DOGTV has stimulation and relaxation channels, and there are apps that control contraptions that talk to your pet, or dispense treats. Pheromone sprays can also reduce anxiety, creating that kumbaya atmosphere.” And, of course, daycare and dog walkers are a great way to enrich your pet’s day. “Know someone who wants exercise? Maybe they’ll walk your dog.”
"One took me into the living room while the other went into the kitchen with two bags and took all seven puppies."
She added: "My seven-year-old son came down as they were taking the pups.
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"They also sat him down on the couch with me, while the other one continued to take the puppies and be aggressive before leaving."
A spokesperson for Dogs Trust advised pet owners to notify the police, their local authority dog warden and their microchip database provider if their pet is stolen.No, it’s not just to make themselves look adorable. Dogs curl up in a ball when they sleep due to an age-old instinct to keep themselves warm and protect their abdomen and vital organs from predators.
They said: "If your dog is stolen then you can feel helpless and have no idea where to start looking for them.
"But here are some practical things you can do to give you the best chance of being reunited with your pooch.
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"Report the theft to the police straight away and make sure you get a crime reference number and insist that your dog is recorded as stolen and not missing.
Possibly the best use of old jeans ever: a lap pillow.
"Report the theft of your dog to your local authority dog warden and notify your microchip database provider.
"Ask local rescue centres, animal charities and vet practices to keep an eye out for your dog.
"Monitor places thieves may try to sell your dog, like pet websites, pet shops and notice boards. "
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