Five dogs stolen every day

• 1,808 dogs stolen across the UK in 2024 – the equivalent of five per day
• New Pet Abduction Act having a positive impact – dog theft overall is down 21 per cent on prior year
• French Bulldogs were the most stolen breed with 51 taken last year
• Despite the law changing in May 2024 to punish thieves, 61 per cent of dog owners say they are worried about dog theft

An estimated 1,808 dogs were stolen across the UK in 2024, the equivalent of five every single day, reveals new analysis of police force data by Direct Line Pet Insurance¹.

Despite the high number of dog thefts, this figure represents a 21 per cent decrease compared to 2023, which saw an estimated 2,290 dogs stolen nationwide. However, around one in five (19 per cent) dogs were returned to their owners in 2024, one of the lowest levels of pets reunited in the insurer’s decade of tracking dog thefts.

The Pet Abduction Act came into effect in May 2024², making pet theft a criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland, punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.  The reduction in thefts may be an early sign that the new law is having a positive impact.

Direct Line has been tracking dog theft for the past ten years. In this time, 23,430 dogs have been reported stolen to police, with 5,005 (21 per cent) being returned³. The top year for thefts was 2021, when  2,760 dogs were stolen, whilst 2024 comes in as the lowest since analysis began. Overall, dog theft has declined by over a fifth (22 per cent) in the past decade, a positive step following the insurer’s campaigning to raise awareness of the issue.

French Bulldogs were found to be the most stolen breed of 2024⁴, with 51 stolen, an increase of over a third (38 per cent) compared to 2023. French Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds for thieves and have appeared multiple times in Direct Line’s list of top 10 stolen breeds in the past decade. English Bulldogs came a close second, with 37 stolen in 2024 – a 26 per cent drop in the number stolen in 2023.

Given French Bulldogs can fetch up to £5,000 if purchased from a reputable breeder, criminals can secure large sums of money for these animals by selling them on. With celebrity owners of Frenchies including the likes of David Beckham and Lady Gaga, who herself had her dogs stolen by thieves, celebrity culture is arguably driving huge demand for these animals. Two thirds (65 per cent) of dog owners agree that celebrity culture and social media is driving demand and subsequently theft of certain dog breeds. 

Rottweilers saw the highest rise in thefts, a 180 per cent year-on-year increase. This was closely followed by Border Collies at 160 per cent (from five to 13) and Chihuahuas at 86 per cent (from 14 to 26).

In contrast, thefts of XL Bullies have dropped significantly since 2023, down by nearly half (49 per cent). A decline which is likely linked to the ban on this breed introduced in England and Wales in February 2024⁵.

Table 1: The most stolen dog breeds, 2024

Source: Direct Line 2025

Adam Burgin, Head of Direct Line Pet Insurance, responds: “As a nation of pet lovers we hope to continue the downward trend in the number of stolen dogs. Our research over the last decade has shown dog theft is a persistent issue and hopefully the Pet Abduction Act 2024 will encourage a change in criminal behaviour in the long-term. Those who have fallen victim to dog theft will know the intense stress and trauma that comes with having their beloved pet snatched away from them, often with no closure on knowing what happened to a member of their family.”

Despite a decline in reported dog thefts, fear of theft remains a major concern for the estimated 28 per cent of UK adults owning a dog. Six in ten (61 per cent) dog owners say they are worried about the possibility of their dog being stolen and more than a third (33 per cent) say they feel “extremely” or “very” worried.

As a result, dog owners are taking extra care to keep their pets safe. Two in five (40 per cent) say they would only ever walk their dog on a lead, with one in ten (10 per cent) using a “theft proof” lead.Finding a smart tech solution, 17 per cent of UK dog owners have attached a tracking device, such as an Apple Tag or GPS system, to their dogs to keep track of their pet’s location.

Nearly half (49 per cent) of dog owners say they would never leave their dog tied up unattended, for example outside a shop or a school, and a further 44 per cent saying they would never leave their dog in a car.

More than one in five (22 per cent) UK dog owners state they have installed a motion security at home to help keep watch over their pets. And one in six (16 per cent) dog owners say they would never leave their dog along at home for any length of time, and would rather take it to doggy day care, use a dog sitter or leave with their friends or family.

Table 2: Precautions dog owners take to avoid their dogs being stolen

Source: Direct Line 2025

Beverley Cuddy, Editor of Dogs Today Magazine, Patron of Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance, and Founder of the Bark Angel, commented: “It’s wonderful to see a reduction at last in the number of dogs being stolen, Direct Line have been campaigning for 10 long years, and it’s really helped to make a difference, especially with the law change in 2024. 

“We’ve also seen some amazing reunifications this year, for dogs and owners that have been gone for many years. Dogs never ever forget their people and our video footage of them being reunited proves this. My heart aches for all those still waiting for that phone call that says their missing dog has been found.

“The market for stolen dogs is sadly still here and we have a role to play to continue making it much harder for crooks to monetise our best friends as breeding slaves. It’s important to regularly check your dog’s microchip data and make sure details are correct - it’s something so often forgotten.

“All in all, it’s hugely positive, but always more to do!”

Regional police force data reveals theft hot spots

Of the Police Forces that responded to Direct Line’s request, Kent was found to be the dog theft capital of the UK, with 152 dog thefts recorded by Kent Police this year. 20 of these dogs – or 13 per cent of those stolen – were successfully returned to their owners, an increase of 33 per cent on the number returned in 2023.

Table three: Top police forces for reports of stolen dogs, 2024

* Please note that asterisked figures have been calculated as an estimation using the methodology detailed in the Notes to Editors.

Source: Direct Line 2025

Ways to help prevent your dog being stolen

1.      Make sure your dog is microchipped and that you keep your contact details up-to-date

2.      Even if your dog wears a harness rather than a collar your dog should always wear an ID tag with names and addresses – we recommend not putting your pet’s name on the collar as it will make it easier for thieves to lure them

3.      Beware of strangers asking you questions about your dog, bending down to stroke them or appearing overly friendly and/or curious

4.      Do not leave your dog alone in a car at any time – not only can this lead to overheating but thieves can and will break into vehicles – this also applies to vehicles with blacked out windows, you can never be too cautious

5.      Avoid walking your dog late at night whilst on your own, if this isn’t possible stay aware of your surroundings

Steps to follow if your dog has been stolen

1.      Firstly, check the local area and your dog’s favourite spots in case the dog has wandered off

2.      Engage the local community and make your dog ‘too hot to handle’ by sharing with local groups, putting up posters, informing local media and using social media – include pictures and descriptions of any distinctive markings or personality traits. Your insurance company can assist you with this

3.      There are some specific sites set up to help find lost and stolen dogs, like doglost.co.uk

4.      Report your dog as stolen to the police and provide them with as much detail as possible

5.      Report your dog as stolen to local pet related services like vets, animal shelters, pet shops, dog wardens, and the council. Provide photos, a physical description and the dogs microchip number

6.      Report your dog as stolen to the microchip database and make sure your contact details are up to date

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

1.      Direct Line submitted a Freedom of Information Request to all UK police forces. All but four (9 per cent) responded, although some forces were unable to provide data for their force area. To estimate the total number of stolen dogs across the UK, a calculation based on the number of dogs stolen per 10,000 people (0.000027) was applied to the population in the police force areas that were unable to provide data. The average return rate of police forces that did provide data was applied to calculate the number of dogs returned across all forces.

2.      Pet Abduction Bill becomes law - GOV.UK

3.     These figures are calculated using actual figures from police force FOI responses as well as adjusted estimates (in line with point 1) across a ten-year period

4.      Not all police forces who responded were able to provide breed-level data

5.      https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ban-on-xl-bully-dogs

6.      Please note that the Metropolitan Police could not respond to Direct Line’s FOI request, so an estimate has been calculated. To estimate the total number of stolen dogs across the UK, a calculation based on the number of dogs stolen per 10,000 people (0.000026) was applied to the population in the police force areas that were unable to provide data. The average return rate of police forces that did provide data was applied to calculate the number of dogs returned across all forces.

Direct Line Group

Chelsey Wheeler

Deputy Head of News and Issues

Chelsey.Wheeler@directlinegroup.co.uk

FleishmanHillard

directlinegroupmedia@fleishman.com / 07734 438211

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line. 

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting https://www.directline.com/products/pet-insurance