Sheffield a 'dog theft hotspot' as warning is issued to pet owners after 129 incidents

Pet owners have been warned to be alert after new figures showed Sheffield is a dog theft hotspot.
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New research from money.co.uk showed there were 129 dog thefts in the city in the last five years, putting it fourth in a national table.

The research analysed Freedom of Information data on the number of dog thefts people have reported in the last five years, as well as which types of dog were most commonly stolen.

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Leeds was the nation’s dog theft hotspot, with 346 thefts in the last five years, followed by Bradford at 244, Sheffield and Huddersfield at 128.

Dog thefts are on the rise.Dog thefts are on the rise.
Dog thefts are on the rise.

To protect against dog theft experts suggest microchipping your pet, not least because it is now required by law. This ensures that your dog can easily be identified and returned if they get lost.

Advice also includes taking out pet insurance - dog insurance doesn’t just protect your dog from expensive veterinary treatments, but some policies will also cover the cost if your pet is stolen or goes missing, sometimes known as ‘missing pet cover’. The very best policies will also cover any costs of advertising if your pet gets lost.

Experts also say be careful on social media, try not to give away information such as where you live and walk your dog.

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Finally, keep your garden secure. Try to keep your dog in view when it's in the garden, especially in the front garden if it can be easily accessed from the street. Make sure that any gates are locked and consider fitting a bell so that you can hear if anyone opens it.