Dramatic rise in Dog thefts in Devon

The Insurance Emporium, insurance company in England, has discovered a 113% rise in dog thefts in Devon and Cornwall since 2015, rising from 38 to 81 last year. 

Over the last there years, the request also found that there were 183 dog thefts in Devon and Cornwall.  In 2017, only 22 of the 81 dogs reported as stolen were returned to their owner.

Between 2015 and 2017, Staffordshire bull terriers were most likely to be stolen, with 15 of these dogs having been taken. Chihuahuas and bulldogs were the second and third most likely breeds to be taken, with 13 of the former and 11 of the latter reported as stolen.

Francis Martin, Chief Executive Officer at The Insurance Emporium said: “When the unthinkable happens to your pet, all you want to do is get your loved one back as soon as possible.

“At The Insurance Emporium, we aim to be here to protect all of the things you love in life – including your dogs. While this is something nobody wants, some of our dog insurance policies include standard cover for loss of your dog through theft. We will also provide a reward for the safe return of your dog."