Pet theft

Why are pets stolen?

Thieves are stealing domestic pets for a number of reasons – for profit, breeding, illegal fights and reward money.

High-risk breeds

High-risk breeds for cats include Burmese, Siamese, Persian and Maine Coon. Targeted dog breeds include Yorkshire Terriers, Strafordshire Bull Terriers, German Sheperds, Labradors and Jack Russells.

Top tips to safeguard domestic pets

1. There's a £90 fine for owners in the UK who fail to put ID tags on dog collars but the same does not apply to cats. Experts recommend owners make this a standard practice for both dogs as well as cats.

2. June is National Microchipping Month. Microchipping is a painless and effective process to ensure owners can identify their pets even if their collars break or ID cards get lost. The chip is the size of a grain of rice and can be inserted into any animal. It’s most commonly used in dogs, cats and horses. Each ring or microchip has a unique number on it so pets can be traced.

3. When walking your pet, try different routes and keep your pet in sight at all times.

4. Secure the entrances of your house to ward off unwanted intruders and prevent your pet from venturing outside alone.

5. Neutering your pet might ensure they don't get targeted for breeding purposes.

For more information go to the RSPCA.

Exotic pet thefts

The UK is one of the largest importers of exotic pets, such as birds, reptiles, primates and tropical fish, in the EU. Organisations such as the Animal Protection Agency and ENDCAP (a European network campaigning to end the keeping of wild animals in captivity) work around the clock to dissuade people from buying these animals as deprivation of their natural habitat often leads to their death within one year.

Incentives for stealing exotic pets

Birds are extremely valuable and can be worth thousands of pounds. Parrots, Cockatoos and Macaws are regularly stolen from zoos, bird gardens, private aviaries and breeders. Profits from the resale of these creatures increase their chances of being stolen. Burglaries can be opportunistic, but most exotic pet thefts are professional jobs that are instigated by orders from potential buyers.

Tips to prevent theft of exotic pets

1. Exotic pets can also be microchipped but they have to be more than 10cm long. Bird owners should retain a feather and store it in a secure signed and dated envelope and consider taking a blood sample at the vet’s for DNA records.

2. Don't advertise your pets to the whole neighbourhood.

3. If you leave tortoises in the garden make sure you don't leave them unattended for too long and bring them in at night.

4. Maintain clear photographic records of the animals.

5. Make sure your home/shop is highly secure.

More information

• Animal Search UK

• Pets Bureau

• National Theft Register for Lost and Found Parrots

• Tortoise Trust

• Animal Protection Agency