Dog theft and associated crime has become completely out of control. Currently, under British law, dogs are classed as ‘property’ under the Theft Act 1968, meaning that if
someone steals a dog, they may be punished in the same way as someone who steals a non-living object, like a mobile phone. In the UK around 2,000 dogs are stolen each year (but many more may go unreported); only 1 in 5 of those reported stolen are returned to their families.  Only 5% of reported dog thefts lead to a conviction. Dogs are now having their chips ripped out of their bodies in completely barbaric ways. Single women are being targeted when they walk their dogs. Houses are being targeted and burgled for new born puppies... It is clear that the consequence for  these appalling crimes are not deterring the criminals. Dogs can not be compared to an item such as a mobile phone. Dogs are our family members and the laws need to protect them as such.