Since then, media reports suggest there's been an increase in dog theft in Australia. The price of dogs has increased during the pandemic given higher demand and decreased supply, particularly of purebred and designer dogs. Dog theft is said to be rising due to offenders exploiting this situation.
In the US Alone, Almost 2 Million Domestic Animals Are Victims of Dog Theft (AKC) Don't think that it can't happen to you. You can become a target if you leave your dog unattended outside a shop or garden. The problem is so prolific that there's even a National Pet Theft Awareness Day (Feb 14th) to make people aware.
Independent researcher and journalist William Summers, discloses that from 2013-2017 “Victoria Police were asked to investigate 919 cases of dog theft… an average of 184 incidents per year. In NSW, 800 dogs had been reported stolen, averaging 160 each year.”
That's 219 more than Kent, the region with the second highest thefts. West Yorkshire saw the third largest thefts in 2022 with almost 130 dogs stolen. While London has topped the list since 2015, there were 26 fewer reports of stolen dogs last year compared with 2021.
Some people sell stolen and lost animals for research and veterinary institutions that use dogs and cats for testing and biomedical experimentation. These groups are often referred to as Class B dealers. They are brokers who acquire their animals through flea markets, newspaper adds, and other less savory sources.
The optimal solution for deterring burglars is to mix your favorite canine with a monitored security system. While man's best friend does act as a solid burglar deterrent, Fido can't help much once a break-in actually takes place. A monitored security system constantly has a watchful eye on your home.
#1 – Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound was bred to spend all day chasing prey over long distances. These sighthounds needed to think for themselves to keep track of the prey instead of looking to their owner for direction.
About 85% of lost cats or dogs are eventually recovered, according to research by the American Society for Preventing Cruelty to Animals. This data alone should give you the motivation to follow the provided advice and to never give up on recovering your stolen cat or dog.
The type of dogs stolen reflects those that are of highest value for resale and breeding. Among the most likely victims are the 'fashionable' breeds such as the Pugs, French Bulldogs and Chihuahuas and those with unusual colours are particularly vulnerable.
Around 40% of Australian households include at least one dog, making them the most popular type of pets. This is followed by cats (27%), fish (11%), birds (9%), small mammals (3%) and reptiles (2%) - with another 2% of households reporting that they have pets such as horses, goats, cows, alpacas and hermit crabs.
Dogs are the most popular pet, with almost half of Australian households keeping at least one dog (48% in 2022, up from 40% in 2019). Cats come second, with a third of all households with at least one cat (33% in 2022, up from 27% in 2019).
Most dogs that steal are between the ages of six to eighteen months. Dogs do not understand possession of objects, only wants and needs. If he wants or needs something, he will take it and want to keep it. If you try to take it from him, he will run.
Know where your dog is
People report having dogs stolen from their yards. There have been kennel and pet store break-ins around the country. Dog thieves have even broken car windows to steal a dog.
The Tibetan mastiff is considered the most expensive dog, as it has sold for thousands and even millions.
Many dogs, even dogs that normally are not fearful at home, become terrified when they become lost. While some dogs will ultimately calm down and then approach people, other dogs will continue to run from everyone, including their owners! One of the worst things that you can do is CALL a stray, loose, or panicked dog.
So, at night, they will likely look for a safe place to stay. If your dog went missing not too long ago, they may be hiding in a familiar area. Check nearby parks or neighborhood yards that you frequently visit or pass by. Additionally, your pet will seek shelter against the cold.
The only published research study on lost pet rates found that between 11-16% of dogs and 12 - 18% of cats are likely to go missing at least once in five years.
Burglars interviewed in a series of reports on increasing levels of crime indicate that a loud, barking dog is the deal breaker for them—the combination of attention-grabbing sound and the unpredictability of a dog's actions will almost always cause the burglar to move on.