Although it is wonderful to have a dog in the family, some dog owners know dog theft statistics but many of them think it cannot happen to them.
Today, the term dognapping can often be heard. Dognapping is derived from the word kidnapping. Because many owners consider dogs an equal member of the family, multi-federal states in America have canine laws that protect many families from thieves.
With the increase in foster care, the number of dognapping is growing, and many countries have records in the last few years. Some breeds are especially targeted by dog thefts, do you know which one? Below in this article, we bring you interesting information and statistics about dog theft and some of them could surprise you.
5 Interesting Dog Theft Statistics (Editor’s pick)
- In the last 10 years, dog theft and dognapping increased up to 70%.
- In the United States, 15 states have stolen dog laws.
- Dognapping in the UK increased by 20% during the Covid-19 global pandemic.
- According to research, smaller dog breeds have way more chances to be stolen.
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers were the most stolen breed in 2020. in the UK.
10 Interesting Dog Theft Statistics
1. In the last 10 years, dog theft and dognapping increased up to 70%
Thousands of dogs are victims of dog theft each year, which is an enormous problem for the whole society. According to Americal Kennel Club’s lost per recovery service, since 2010. dog theft and dognapping increase up to 70%.
Source: topdogtips.com
2. Each year in the U.S. two million animals are victims of dog theft
According to statistics, about two million domestic animals are victims of theft in the U.S. Only about 10% of stolen dogs were found and reunited with their owners.
Source: www.caninejournal.com
3. In the United States, 15 states have stolen dog laws
In the United States, the majority of states don’t have stolen dog laws, but 15 of them do. Based on research, the top five states with the best dog laws include Virginia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New York, and Mississippi.
Source: www.caninejournal.com
4. In 2020., during the lockdown in the UK, seven pets were reported stolen every day
During the global pandemic because of the Covid-19 virus, there were reported stolen up to 7 pets each year. This is the increase from 5 to 7 pets in 2020. Most of the pets were dogs. From 2019 to 2020 dog theft increased by 170%, statistics say.
Source: www.nationalworld.com
5. Statistics say there were 2,438 dogs reported stolen last year in the UK
In 2020., there were 2,438 dogs reported as stolen. This is an increase of 19 percent from 2019., Even there was a lockdown and a lot of people were at home, dog theft wasn’t on standby, because many dog owners were whether sick or hospitalized which was the perfect chance for thefts.
Source: www.nationalworld.com
6. Only 22% of dogs were reunited with their families
Unfortunately, dog theft statistics in the US show that only 22% of stolen dogs were found and reunited with their families. We can conclude that many dogs didn’t have microchips which will help with finding.
Source: www.nationalworld.com
7. The dog thefts in the UK increased by 20% in UK during the Covid-19 global pandemic
During the lockdown and global pandemic, dog theft in the UK increased by 20%. Statistics say that dog theft incidents have risen around 30% in the last five years. This represents a huge problem for the whole society and dog owners.
Source: www.directlinegroup.co.uk
8. Staffordshire Bull Terriers were the most stolen breed in 2020. in the UK
Direct Line Pet Insurance did the survey about the list of dog breed with the most risk of theft. Staffordshire Bull Terriers were on the top, as well as the year before.
In 2020., there were 97 stolen dogs. In second place were crossbred with 52, and on the third Cocker Spaniels and 34 are stolen.
Source: www.nationalworld.com
9. About 98% of dog theft criminals from the UK are never charged
According to dog theft statistics, that around 20% of dogs were reunited with their family, it is no surprise that almost 98% of theft criminals are never charged. Most of the dog theft criminals have never been caught.
Source: thekennelclub.org.uk
10. According to research, smaller breeds have way more chances to be stolen
The smallest breeds that are easier to grab and run away from are more likely to be stolen than bigger ones. Statistics say that most of the stolen dogs are the ones with better value and all of them are smaller.
Breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Scottish Terriers are on the top list.
Source: www.akc.org
To Sum Up
Dog theft in many countries happens on a daily basis and according to dog theft statistics, smaller breeds are more likely to be stolen. From the dog adoption statistics, there has been an increase in adoption, which has unfortunately affected the increase in thefts this year. Today, many countries have laws that protect dog owners, from dog kidnapping, popularly called dognapping.
