Advice issued to mark the start of Gundog theft awareness week

Sunday 31st October marked the start of Gundog Theft Awareness Week 2021. Popular working breeds such as spaniels, labradors and pointers are well known to be well-trained and well-socialised, which sadly makes them an ideal target for dog theft.

Dog theft, especially of working dogs, continues to be a huge problem in rural areas. With the increase in popularity of fieldsports comes the increase in demand for trained dogs and thieves see valuable gun dogs as a saleable commodity. DogLost has stated that almost 50% of its missing dog reports actually relate to working dogs.

Pet theft is driven by organised crime and is seen as a low-risk, high-reward offence. In recent years only one per cent of dog theft crimes have led to a prosecution. Under the Theft Act 1968, pets are classed as property, making a stolen Labrador equal to a stolen laptop. If caught, the sentence for stealing pets is generally a small fine or suspended sentence.

The Countryside Alliance, among other groups, recently welcomed the news that the government plans to crack down on the increasing number of reported pet thefts by bringing in a new criminal offence for pet abduction.

In September 2021, Environment Secretary George Eustice said: "Pets are much loved members of the family in households up and down the country, and reports of a rise in pet theft have been worrying. Pet owners shouldn't have to live in fear, and I am pleased this report acknowledges the unique distress caused by this crime. Its recommendations will reassure pet owners, help the police to tackle pet theft, and deliver justice for victims. We will consider its findings carefully and work with colleagues across Government to start implementing its recommendations."

Sarah Lee, Director of Campaigns and Policy at the Countryside Alliance said: " All too often we read reports of dog thefts and see the devastation that it causes for heartbroken owners and families. Making pet abduction a specific criminal offence is a welcome step towards tackling this horrendous crime. However, there is much more pet owners can do to help in the fight against these criminals. Much of the advice out there is basic, but it is no less important if we are to protect our much loved pets and working dogs from this scourge. Gundog theft awareness week is an important way of relaying this advice.

"Organisations such as DogLost UK, Pet Theft Awareness and Gundog Theft Awareness (part of the Pet Theft Awareness Campaign) so keep an eye out for those. They all do an incredible job throughout the year raising awareness, sharing statistics and being an extra resource for those who have fallen victim to this crime."

With Gundog Theft Awareness Week 2021 now underway, the Countryside Alliance is re-issuing its advice:

The Key Facts

A working dog can cost £5,000 when fully trained
Some 3,500 dogs were reported as stolen during the shooting season in 2014
50% of stolen dogs are breeds of gun dog
Approximately 50,000 dogs per year are officially reported to insurance companies as 'lost'
There is no legislation for microchip scanning, meaning that dog that have either been found or stolen can be re-homed without their microchip ever being checked

What to do if it happens to you...

When you are out and about

• Never leave your dog unattended.
• If you are in the pub or in a public area don't boast about your dog. You never know who is listening...
• If you have to keep your dog in the car for any period of time, ensure the car is locked.
• Take photos of your dogs from several angles and keep them with your dogs' documents, making sure to document any specific markings or features.

Review your security at home

• If your dog lives indoors, take the usual principles to ensure safety.
• If kennelled, build your kennel as close to your home as possible.
• Use alarmed padlocks or passive infrared sensors that send text messages to your mobile phone if tampered with.
• Install remote access CCTV, which allows you to regularly check on your dogs from your mobile phone, and security lighting on all outbuildings and kennels.
• Never leave ladders or tools around that can be used by thieves to gain entry.
• Sign up to local and regional neighbourhood watch programmes so you are aware of other local thefts in the area. Make sure to note down the registration numbers of any suspicious looking vehicles.

If you're having a litter of puppies

• Be extra vigilant
• Don't put signs by the roadside to indicate you have puppies for sale.
• If potential buyers come to see your puppies make sure you have someone with you and show them the puppies one by one.

If your dog is stolen

• All dogs must now, by law, be microchipped, so ensure your details are up to date, report it to Petlog and register the dog's microchip as missing so it will show up when scanned.
• Swift action is a necessity – make sure you call 999 and get a crime reference number. Also contact your Local Council, Dogwarden and RSPCA to alert them should the dog be handed in.
• Talk to neighbours and check with your local community – postal workers, milk men, shop keepers etc.
• Use social media to spread the word and let people know what has happened, this can make the dog 'too hot to handle', increasing the chance of it being returned to you. Forums and Facebook groups are good places to post messages, but be aware of hoaxers claiming to know where your dog is if you provide money.
• Keep the police up to date and always allow them to follow up any potential leads.

Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity via 101 or 999 in an emergency.