Rising issue of dog theft in Ireland and what you can do to prevent it

On June 20th, 2020, the Independent issued an article elaborating on warnings from An Garda Siochana to ‘watch your pets’ as increases in dog theft incidents have rose extensively all over Ireland.  Dog owners have been left devastated and searching for their beloved dogs as incidents of dogs being swiped from their gardens, vans of people reportedly driving slowly around residential areas showing interest in dogs or walking around housing estates pretending to be officials to get access to gardens and homes and asking about the resident dogs.  There are also suspected reports of cars pulling up alongside people walking their dogs and men dashing out to snip the leash and bundling the dog into cars then speeding off in a flash.  Suspected dog thefts of whippets and other sighthounds, poodles and spaniels from their homes and gardens and vanishing without a trace are happening nationwide but no breed is completely safe from dog theft. Sadly, dog thieves steal dogs for one or several reason, intact males and females will be used for breeding and selling pups, mongrels or young dogs will be sold to unsuspecting members of the public or used as ‘bait’ dogs in illegal dog fighting rings – an activity that is much more common than you would expect.  All other breeds and crossbreeds are wanted for selling online and at fairs for profit with some pups being sold for up to €3,000.

If you have any kind of online social media presence, you most definitely would have seen the story of Daisy the springer spaniel and her 7 puppies who were stolen from their home last week by dog thieves.  Daisy has thankfully been found safe, albeit scared and her microchip was cut from her shoulder.  Daisy has been returned to her relieved owner but, unfortunately, her 7 puppies are still missing so high alert and awareness should be taken for anyone who hears about purebred springer spaniel puppies being sold online or at fairs in Ireland or abroad.  Anyone suspecting of coming across springer spaniel puppies are urged to contact the ISPCA or An Garda Siochana.

Stolen dogs are often shipped abroad to the UK and further abroad with many dogs and puppies being seized by Cork City Crime Unit and District Detective Unit in vehicles at ferry ports to be sold or bred for profit.  The dogs are being hidden in large numbers in cars or vans but traffic officials are stopping them after hearing loud barking or howls.

PAWS are supporting local authorities and Gardai in urging pet owners to be on high alert to potential dog theft and to follow strict guidelines in preventing dog theft.

• It is important to recognise that while valuable breeds are most at risk, no dog is immune to dog theft.
• Ensure your dog is microchipped and your details are up to date and registered to you and please ensure your dog has a tag on his or her collar with your details up to date, one to two owner phone numbers, vet’s phone number, a line saying ‘chipped and reg’d’ is sufficient.  It is also a legal requirement to have your dog chipped, registered and wearing a dog tag at all times.  When your dog is chipped and registered and wearing a dog tag, it hugely increases the likelihood of your dog being returned to you should they be stolen so the importance of this cannot be understated.
• Never leave your dog unattended in the front or back garden or tied outside shop fronts.  Unattended dogs of any age and breed are prime targets to dog thieves – so remember to stay with your dog at all times when they are outside.  
• Ensure to report any suspicious activity surrounding strange vans or cars driving slowly around residential areas checking or asking about dogs or following dog walkers.  In particular, Tipperary, Waterford and Cork as these are areas in particular where dogs have vanished.  

If you suspect someone is trying to sell you a stolen dog or puppy or you see suspicious activity of dog thieves in the area, contact your local Garda station or the ISPCA on  (043) 332 5035 and be vigilant in keeping your dog safe!