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DOG THEFTS ARE significantly lower this year following a spike in robberies during the Covid-19 pandemic but gardaí are still urging owners to be vigilant.
From the starts of 2025 to the end of June this year 17 dogs were stolen, with figures during the pandemic suggesting a rate of over 100 stolen over a six-month period.
There were 53 dogs reported as stolen to gardaí in 2024, 43 in 2023 and 51 in 2022. A Dáil answer from James Browne TD indicated that in 2020, 228 dogs were stolen. While in 2021, 280 were stolen.
According to An Garda Síochána, most dogs who are stolen will be sold to other buyers, used as ransom to gain reward money, used for breeding in puppy farms or used as bait in dogfighting.
The Garda National Crime Prevention Unit has previously issued warnings to dog owners to take extra precautions for their dog’s safety, particularly “high-value breeds”, which are most likely to be stolen.
This week, content creator Sophie Murray said that her mother’s five-month-old mini Yorkshire Terrier Belle was stolen during a burglary of her house in Rathcoole, Co Dublin.
In an emotional appeal for information, Murray said Belle is both microchipped and neutered.
The ISPCA said that while dog theft is statistically rare, it is “hugely distressing” for owners.
In a statement to The Journal, The ISPCA said: “the ISPCA is asking pet owners to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to gardaí”.
Gardaí advise all pet owners to microchip dogs once they are 12 weeks old, so that they can be easily identified if stolen or lost.
The ISPCSA said dogs wearing an ID tag or a tag that says ‘I am neutered/spayed’ can also deter thieves.
Gardaí recommend dog owners be wary of strangers who act suspiciously around their dog, and vary dog walking times and places to avoid creating a pattern for thieves.
They also said pet owners should not leave dogs tied up outside public spaces or in cars, they should ensure pet sitters and kennels are reputable, and ensure strangers cannot see pictures of their dogs online.
It is also recommended to ensure dogs are supervised and gardens are secure. CCTV can be added for extra protection.
Immediately report the theft to gardaí,
Report the loss to your local authority, your vet, rescue centres and your dog’s microchip company,
Spread the word on social media – post clear photos and detailed descriptions both on your profile and any other groups and pages you are connected with and encourage people to share quickly,
Create posters and flyers, distribute these around your local community. Check your insurance policy, it might be able to cover some of these costs,
Report the theft on as many missing animal websites as you can and keep an eye out on social media and selling pages,
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