The number of dog theft crimes reported to police has seen a marked increase since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by The Brecon and Radnor Express, figures from Dyfed-Powys Police show that the amount of thefts in the force’s area has almost doubled in the space of just two years.

In 2019, 23 dog theft crimes were recorded by the force, which then increased to 37 crimes throughout 2020. Between January and October 2021, there had already been 41 dog theft crimes reported to the police force.

Of the 78 dog thefts recorded since January 2020, the most common location that a canine companion was stolen from was from within a property (21). The next most frequent location for a theft to occur was from a kennel (7) followed by a refusal to return (6). Five incidents were recorded of dog stolen from gardens and four took place while on a walk. Dogs were also stolen from farm buildings (4), sheds (3) and horseboxes (2).

A new criminal offence to crack down on dog theft moved a step closer last month in new plans outlined by the UK Government.

The dog abduction offence is being added to the Kept Animals Bill, bolstering the raft of measures it already includes to further protect pets, livestock and kept wild animals.

People who steal a dog could face up to five years in jail if convicted of dog abduction, under the new plans.

Prior to this new offence, pet theft was treated as a loss of property to the owner.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said:

“The loss of a much-loved pet causes unique distress. I am pleased that we are legislating to recognise this specific crime.

“The new dog abduction offence will reflect the impact on animals in penalties for criminals, and deliver justice for victims.”

The new offence will take into account the emotional distress caused to both the owner and the dog and will help judges’ ability to hand down more targeted penalties and sentences for pet thieves.

A provision will also be made in the Bill to extend the offence to other pets in the future, should evidence support this.

Chief veterinary officer, Dr Christine Middlemiss said:

“The recognition of the distress caused to animals by pet theft is an important step forward, treating them as sentient beings rather than merely property.

“The new offence should build greater awareness of the significant impacts of dog theft on people and animals, and reassure pet owners that these crimes are being taken seriously.”

David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, said the theft of a pet is “devastating” for owners and hoped the amendements would “act as a real deterrent’ towards criminals.”

Mr Bowles added: “While the current proposed law applies to dogs, we are really pleased to see the Government has also recognised how much other animals mean to people as well, and put in provision to extend it to other pets.

“We hope this new law, which will see sentences up to five years, will help crackdown on the heart-breaking issue of pet theft.”