Dog Thieves.

[sandyRoe]

Are they looking for pedigree dogs, perhaps with a view to use them in puppy farms, or are any dogs targets.
It's a hateful crime as many dogs are regarded as part of the family.

[DTCwordfan]

Both I think, anything that turns lots of notes to bank in RBS

[roopower]

Both. I think it depends on the thirf, if theyre part of a group, well organised, the sort who cut the chips out theyre after pedigree to breed or sell as they get more money. The more opportunist type will take anything in the hooes of making a quick buck. It is dreadful, families and older people and children especially are distraught at losing a family member.

[nailit]

Im getting an awful lot of
''look out for these people stealing dogs''
posts on my FB page from all over the country.
Think its cobblers TBH.
Its become a meme!

[pastafreak]

If it's got legs and a tail, they will take it.
I wouldn't want to be the owner of a pug, Frenchie, bulldog, spaniel, Labrador, cockerpoo or other mix...I'd be afraid to take it out right now.

[burlyshirley]

They also steal them to sell to vivi-section labs and for bait for fighting dogs. Imagine your beloved dog ending up like this, it makes my blood run cold.

[Prudie]

The people who buy them are providing the market so they are equally to blame if not more so. All crimes are despicable but this one is particularly heart-breaking.

[pastafreak]

Its not cobblers Nailit. It's happening all over.
Mostly because the prices both pedigree and none pedigree dogs and cats sell for has gone through the roof this past year. Like 3x as much as pre pandemic.

[Vagus]

We spoke to two policemen who were showing a presence where we walk our dog, and asked about dog napping. Fortunately it’s rare in our area, no reports so far.
But it is a real problem in some areas, and if I lived there I’d be very hesitant to walk our dog by myself.

[tiggerblue10]

Definitely not cobblers. Its become a huge problem everywhere. Very distressing for pets and owners.

[royfromaus]

I wouldn't pay 3 grand for a dog in normal times, so I'm puzzled as to who these people are buying these expensive dogs whilst going through this crisis.

The number of people breeding dogs has gone crazy and it needs stopping.

[tiggerblue10]

When I move into my new house I'm taking a trip to the local rescue centre for a couple of kittens/cats.

[lankeela]

royfromaus reputable breeders are not breeding as many which is why there has been a shortage so high prices being charged causing the demands being met by thieves stealing any dogs for a quick return. The main target is kenneled dogs, often spaniels or labradors which are not only easy to access as their kennels are often left unattended overnight but they are friendly when approached. You only need to look at DogLost and see just how many dogs are listed as missing or stolen each day - it is frightening. Thieves are also targetting people exercising dogs, using whistles to entice them and in some cases actually attacking owners to snatch them or breaking into cars. Yet people are still leaving dogs tied up outside shops! The sanctions for dog theft are totally inadequate, identifying the crime as the same level as stealing a mobile phone or laptop. Sir Ian Duncan Smith is pushing for suitable punishments to be dished out to those who perpetrate this despicable crime.

[lankeela]

https://www.doglost.co.uk/dog-search.php?status=Lost

[royfromaus]

I wasn't talking about reputable breeders.

[lankeela]

But it is because a lot of us have cut back because of covid, due to restrictions travelling to use stud dogs, or people travelling to view puppies combined with so many people being at home thinking it is a good time to get a dog that has driven the price up and made thieves aware how lucrative it can be. This has just come through on fb in the last few minutes - "dog missing please look out out for her her names cookie think she been stolen police has been informed she has a Miri chip she is really loved we are heartbroken please share and bring her home effingham surrey"

[lankeela]

For anyone who thinks this is not a problem Suffolk police yesterday recovered 83 stolen dogs from a travellers site near Ipswich.
https://www.suffolk.police.uk/news/latest-news/over-80-dogs-recovered-and-six-arrests-made-after-police-operation-ipswich?fbclid=IwAR0ZagSh2eKG0nn-U34qA9JBmQAqTQDXJNGtfsThhC33Kb8RSVG0P04CHLs

[Mamyalynne]

That's an excellent result Lankeela - there'll be some great reunions.

[roopower]

Great result near Ipswich, another travellers site. Lets hooe the owner can be found. Eight little dacshunds stolen from near my daughter a few weeks ago and a pug stolen from an old lady, what a brave man!

[roopower]

Sorry, posted without checking again. Lets hope the owners can be found, I don't think all 80 odd belong to one family.