Four dogs stolen every day across UK last year – here are the breeds most at risk
An average of four dogs were stolen daily across the UK last year, totaling approximately 25,000 reported thefts over the past 11 years. Popular breeds such as French bulldogs and Staffordshire bull terriers are identified as most at risk, despite an overall decline in thefts. The recovery rate for stolen pets remains low, with only 21 percent reunited with their owners.
- ▪Four dogs were stolen every day across the UK last year, according to police figures.
- ▪French bulldogs continue to be the most frequently stolen breed, while Staffordshire bull terriers and dachshunds saw an increase in thefts.
- ▪The implementation of the Pet Abduction Act in May 2024 may have contributed to an 11 percent decline in thefts compared to the previous year.
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NewsUKHome NewsFour dogs stolen every day across UK last year – here are the breeds most at riskHalf of UK dog owners worry about their pet being stolen, with 33% saying they only ever walked their dog on a lead and 26% supervising their dog while it is in the gardenJosie Clarke Thursday 21 May 2026 00:01 BSTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":false,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2980529","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/police-dogs-theft-stolen-french-bulldogs-staffies-b2980529.html","title":"Four dogs stolen every day across UK last year – here are the breeds most at…
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