Page 2 - Dogs Laws & News

2020 was the worst year for dog thefts in the UK and has continued to be a huge problem in 2021, with an estimated 250% increase in dognappings nationwide. Dogs have been stolen from outside shops, robbed from owners at knife point, but are most commonly taken from people’s gardens. More sophisticated criminals have even posed as RSPCA officers.

It’s an unsettling reality for dog owners across the country. Below we have advice on how you can best protect your dog from being stolen, and what you need to do if thieves do take your dog.

Helping prevent your dog from being stolen

Due to the boldness of these criminals you should consider adjusting some routines and being mindful of opportunist thieves:  

• Don’t leave your dog tied up outside shops.
• Don’t leave your dog unattended in your car – dog thieves will break in.
• When out walking be cautious of strangers asking questions about your dog.
• Don’t post pictures of your dog online or on social media as dognappers are suspected of tracking

A man from Liverpool has been the first person in the UK to be prosecuted under Finn's Law for stabbing a police dog in Stoke-on-Trent.

A new law came into force on June 8th 2019 making it a criminal offence to injure or kill service animals. The Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill is also known as Finn’s Law, named after the police German Sheppard who was stabbed while on service in 2016.

You should always plan well ahead when travelling with a pet. We highlight the most important things to remember when taking your dog to Europe with you.

It is now law in the UK that all dogs are microchipped and have to wear ID tags.