There is a new crime that is worrying dog owners. Criminal gangs are engaged in the profitable but illegal business of dog theft. Last week, the dog walker of pop singer Lady Gaga was shot in the chest as thieves stole her two dogs. There is a sharp rise in dog theft in the UK. Lockdowns have led to a boom in pet sales. People bought "pandemic puppies" as companions. Criminals are now stealing dogs, often attacking their owners, and selling the canines.
Dog owners should not post pictures of their pets on social media. They should take their pets for a walk with a friend and not leave them alone. People should ask background questions when buying a dog online. A Change.org petition said the punishment for dog theft is the same as for a stolen smartphone. It said: "Dognapping has almost the same effect on a family as kidnapping....It is time the law reflected this in the sentencing of offenders."