The heart-breaking crisis of dog theft in the UK is horrendous. An estimated 1800 dogs were stolen in 2024, and distressingly, only 19% of these devoted companions were found and returned to their owners - the lowest recovery rate since 2015. The true number is likely even more staggering, as many dogs that go “missing” are never actually reported as stolen. We established Lost Stolen Dog back in 2021 to combat this worsening trend, providing a free app to help on this mission.

Another plight we are facing is the continuing problem of 'dog parking' at shops. Leaving dogs tied up outside of retail establishments places our furry friends at even greater risk. Yet, many shops fail to understand this heart-breaking truth, even encouraging owners to tie their pets in 'dog parking' areas. This facilitation of potential dog thefts must cease.

We simply cannot stand by as our canine comrades are left susceptible to theft. Pleading with store owners and patrons haven’t produced the needed changes. This matter calls for government intervention, for laws that declare it illegal to leave dogs tied outside shops and oblige shops to remove all 'dog parking' signs, rings, hooks, and the like.

Save the integral members of our families, protect the dogs from theft. Sign the petition. Together, let’s make these protective measures a legal requirement and arm ourselves against the dog theft crisis.