Watch out – dog theft can happen to YOU

If you are tempted to do without dog insurance, there is one thing you need to be aware of.  There is a serious increase in the number of dog thefts in the UK. In fact dog theft has been called “Britain’s fastest growing crimewave.”

At present, the most common areas for dog snatchers are Kent, Surrey and Sussex and also the areas surrounding Leeds, Nottingham and Doncaster.  The problem is also growing in London and Hertfordshire.  But if you don’t live in these areas, don’t be complacent.  It can and does happen anywhere.

The main reasons for dog theft include:

• Breeding – pedigree breeds, especially labradors, Jack Russells and Springer spaniels.
• Selling on. Any popular breed can be stolen but the most frequent is the Staffordshire bull terrier.  This breed seems to have a “tough”, hard image and appears to be considered a status symbol by many young males
• Dog-fighting – lurchers and pit bull terriers are the most often stolen for this purpose.
• Ransom.  Absolutely any breed or crossbreed can be stolen for ransom, if it is clearly somebody’s much-loved pet.

Remember that many criminals prefer to steal puppies as they are easier to transport and less likely to attack the thieves.  So if you have a puppy of any breed, be very careful.  Get it chipped as soon as possible and don’t let it out of your sight.

So how can having dog insurance help you?

Most dog insurance policies will provide the costs of advertising the missing dog, and will cover the reward amount if offered.  But remember that most animal charities advise against the practice of offering a reward as this can be the motive for stealing the dog in the first place.  

Many dog insurance policies will also cover you for the cost of replacing your pet if it is stolen.  Some providers impose conditions, such as showing that you have checked with all the local dog rescue centres, and reporting the theft to the police within 24 hours.  The police are often quite reluctant to get involved, partly because you can’t usually prove that your pet has been stolen, as opposed to wandering off.  If you are certain that your dog wouldn’t under any circumstances go off on his own, insist that the police at least give you a crime number.  This will help you with your dog insurance claim.