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GARDAÍ ACROSS THE country are battling a potential increase in dog thefts during lockdown with experts saying that the Covid crisis has brought with it “an unprecedented increase in the demand for dogs”.
While charities such as the DSPCA and rehoming centres like Dogs Trust say they have been told about a significant number of dogs reported missing and potentially stolen, gardaí have urged people to report a potential crime to them so they can ascertain the scale of the problem.
There is anecdotal evidence of thefts having increased but the official reported number has not, which officers say shows a lack of reporting by people who believe their pet has been stolen.
Nonetheless, gardaí have launched a crackdown on dognapping in recent weeks with many seizures of animals being made.
In a statement, gardaí said they are “aware there has been a number of dog thefts throughout the country recently”.
“However, the number of incidents reported to Gardaí do not reflect a significant increase in dog theft. If your dog has been stolen, report the matter to your local Garda Station as soon as possible.”
Corina Fitzsimons of Dogs Trust Ireland said her organisation has been made aware of an increase in thefts and singled out that there has been a large demand for thoroughbred dogs.
“Sadly, we have seen a big increase in the number of dogs missing, suspected as stolen on our Lost and Found Dogs Facebook Group so, we would urge dog owners to be very careful with their dogs and not to leave them in their gardens unsupervised, leave them outside shops or let them out of their sight while out walking.
“We would also ask people to ensure their dogs are microchipped and most importantly, that their most up to date contact details are recorded against the microchip and if in any doubt to contact their microchip database provider.
“Judging from the posts in our Lost and Found Group, it appears that pedigree dogs are being reported more frequently as being stolen but that doesn’t mean crossbreed dogs are not at risk too.”
Fitzsimons explained that lockdown in Ireland brought about an unprecedented demand for dogs that nobody could have foreseen. She said there is a risk that the average consumer could unwittingly purchase a dog who has been stolen.
“This is why it is imperative that you see the dog’s microchipping certificate before buying a dog. We recommend to anybody thinking of getting a dog or puppy to visit here for advice and if you have your heart set on a buying a puppy, to visit PetBond.ie where breeders have been checked and verified by a team of vets,” she added.
She noted that Dogs Trust already had a number of puppies surrendered to it who were purchased online in haste.
“The last thing we want to see are puppies being sold on again when things don’t work out, so please, if you are struggling with your dog or puppy, please contact us for advice, we are here to help,” she said.
Garda investigation
Gardaí believe most of the dog thefts have been opportunistic with many “totally unplanned”, according to those familiar with the investigations.
While there is evidence to suggest certain homes were targeted prior to the animal being stolen, it is not the case that this is a wide-scale occurrence, the source added.
Many people have shared stories online about homes being targeted and how small signals were being used to signify that a thoroughbred dog was in the garden of a certain house. Many people have, for example, reported seeing chalk patterns outside the homes of a burglary victim.
While signals such as these have been used in the past to mark out high-value homes worth thieving from, it is “highly unlikely” that something similar is happening in relation to dognapping, the source added.
The DSPCA also poured cold water on this concept. Spokeswoman Gillian Bird said that there is not an “epidemic” of dog thefts but rather a combination of a number of reasons, including the easing of lockdown measures. Bird explained how it is “vitally important” that dog owners report their animal missing to their local dog warden.
“People are nervous that they’re terrified that the wardens will torture and kill it which is a load of rubbish,” she said.
Bird also said that it would be rare that stolen dogs are taken for immediate resale. However, she warned any prospective thieves looking to take animals for breeding purposes that the whole process is lengthy and requires expertise which many do not possess.
“We’ve been in lockdown since March, and only in the last month we have seen people now going back to work, to the shops, dogs being left in the back garden, dogs being brought to the shops. There is a greater chance for these animals to go missing now compared to when we were all stuck in our homes,” she said.
Gardaí are continuing to investigate several incidents of suspected dog theft and have urged anyone who believes they have been a victim of this crime to come forward so An Garda Síochána can assist them.
Speaking about the recent increase in thefts, a garda spokesman said:
“An Garda Síochána is aware there has been a number of dog thefts throughout the country recently. As we are hearing a lot about dog theft, it can make dog owners feel unsafe and worried about their beloved pets – so we would advise you take extra precautions for their safety.
“Pets should be microchipped so they can be easily identified if found. Dogs should be microchipped once they are 12 weeks old as per Statutory Instruments S.I. 63 of 2015.”
Gardaí also urged the public to be wary of strangers and vary their walking patterns.
“You might be more than happy to talk about your dog to anyone who asks but be aware and stay vigilant of strangers on your dog walks. Be wary of anyone that starts asking for personal information, if you notice a stranger watching you or your dog, or if you see someone acting suspiciously. Make sure to vary the times and places you walk your dog to avoid creating a pattern for thieves to track and plan around,” the spokesman added.
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Putting tags on gates, setting up treat boxes & using drones are just some of the tactics they are using , yes it is getting out of control! One group stole a female & her babies, they cut the microchip out of her & dumped her, thankfully she was found but all of her newborn puppies were not! So the Journal.ie is wrong this time! These puppies can be sold for anything up to about 3-5 grand.
@Colette Kearns: so you know more than the guards HOW
@Colette Kearns: Read the article, it says that “the number of incidents reported to Garda does not signify a significant increase”. Although it does seem through social media that we are seeing more incidents ….maybe that has increased. And I am not taking away from those awful scenarios about dogs getting their microchips removed and litters of puppies being taken.
@Sinead Boland: well the number of photo ops returning dogs to delighted owners has increased ,why any at all if there is nothing to see here compared to last year? I think the ststistics tell one story and reality tells another ,the latter is the reason for the PR pics,there is a massive problem with dog napping and its not being addressed on a national level .
@Colette Kearns: it was probably as much a problem years ago but with social media it highlighted more often
@Sinead Boland: of course the Gardai will say that, because they don’t want to do anything about it. Not to mention the abuse of horses taking place in certain housing estates. The Gardai are scared of those ‘cultured’ people who are doing this.
@Teresa O’Halloran: I think to be fair to gardai its down to horse welfare ispca to act on it. The guards will just stop the welfare officers from being attacked when they go in.
For being scared of them I’m sure each one of the folks you refer too have many many convictions how would they have got them? Handed themselves into court?
Less drama please
@Alan Carthy: I very much doubt it was as much of a problem years ago because puppies are now changing hands for the same price as an iPhone. When I grew up it was unheard of for anyone to pay much money for a dog. If you are in possession of something whether it’s runners, tech goods or a puppy worth several hundred euro you can be guaranteed that it will interest a thief.
There is a problem. I am on Two Facebook groups . Dogs are the common factor. Every second day someone has a dog stolen. In my area and gates are marked with cable ties and chalk. This is not a myth. My neighbour a security and electric Engineer last night was fitting extra Cameras at his own-house because a cable tie was but on his gate the night before . All his close Neighbours had their gates also marked . I asked did he tell the Garda. He said a waste of #######> time . If u new what I new you would not bother. I still have faith in some Garda. But a press release like this I have none. It’s like the breath test lies.
Why does the author use ‘thoroughbred’ and ‘pedigree’ interchangeably? Not to mention the spelling and grammar which leave a lot to be desired.
Notwithstanding, and regarding the content of the item itself, there are cultural aspects of Irish society that exist in many communities – many include the sale/ breeding of dogs which is more Al Pacino than Mary Poppins in acquiring them – especially when it comes to dog fighting or selling to order on websites, also, Border Collies are often stolen due to their ability to quietly round up sheep which are subsequently sold illegally. Drones are usually used nowadays, but there’s always a local sc****g who will offer information (for a fee) to anyone who’s looking for information about dog owners in the area.
In days gone by, properties without dogs would more likely be targeted for burglary than those with dogs, however, over the past 15+ yrs a certain faction of society have realised the monetary benefits associated with them, consequently, every house is fair game and dog owners need to be more vigilant because it’s organised crime in a black market trade with millions to be made, and because it’s been going on for generations, it’s certainly not going to stop when there’s more of a demand.
The sad thing is, the dogs/ dog shelters will suffer once designer mammys and daddies and their kiddies have all gone back to work and school.
@Lao Tzu: most are exported to UK and continent for the higher price they will receive it’s highly organised ,if they were stopped and found to be doing something illigal why not remove their can or transport for a start
@Lao Tzu: 100% correct, well written.
@Lao Tzu: Thoroughbred usually means the dog’s parents are both the same breed whereas pedigree means that the breeding history has been recorded.
@Gerard Heery: because so many dog lovers cant be bothered to microchip or reg the chip correctly, then its impossible for gardai to take dog off the thieves.
Looks like vigilantism is the way to go the guards and the law are blind to the epidemic of dog thiefs in the country
Please tell the people on Facebook
Again, all the focus is on now to prevent your dog being stolen and no mention of what charges a thief will face. I’m hoping the Gardaí are understating the seriousness of what is going on as they have an operation going on in the background. I know people like to scaremonger on social media but there is definitely groups of people going around the country stealing dogs – that is not ok.
@D: Not leaving dogs in a garden visible to the road is one way. Remove ‘Beware of the Dog’ signs is another. Unfortunately that’s the world we live in nowadays.
Like there is no covid..
The guards are useless, and have been for many years. The public are going to have to step up and do their jobs for them. Private security and vigilanteeism are the future
@MentalAsAnything: Next thing is you want the right to bear arms.
@Dave Barrett: Absolutely
@Dave Barrett: and after that, you’ll want to arm bears….where does it end?
This is a good place to highlight that The Journal is owned by Distilled Media, who also own Donedeal where many purebred and stolen dogs are being sold for ridiculous money to people who either don’t care where the dog came from or don’t know any better.
Anyone can sell dogs here and tell you anything they want about them to get you to part with thousands of euro. Distilled can and should be doing something about this, but they don’t seem to be fussed – plenty of people in the dog groups on facebook reporting ads which are still live a week later. This is as good a time as any to implore readers and employees of the journal and other distilled sites (adverts, boards, daft) to demand better.
How can the Gardai say these thefts were unplanned when the thieves are tagging gates and marking them out with chalk. Flying drones over yards and gardens, these thieves will stop at nothing. Following dog walkers, asking questions about their dogs, intimidating people. But of course it’s their culture isn’t it!
What we need in this country is a hard, straight talking but balanced discussion about “traveller culture” in this country. What it actually does for the country and what it costs us and why do the Gardai and civil servants/politicians say one thing neutral about travellers in public but in private the real truth is spoken…… the traveller tail is wagging the settled dog.
Microchip isn’t a saviour to an owner,it would be removed in seconds by the thief and there goes The traceability
What we can all agree on is that there is a problem. Increase or not, there isn’t enough done by the government.
Is time for the government to protect its people and for legged friends.
Sign the petition:
https://my.uplift.ie/petitions/criminalise-theft-of-animals-illegal-animal-black-market
Top marks for super-appealing pic!
Doxxing people is a bigger crime. Facebook do-gooders are only too eager to share without thinking.
Yabbering puches drive me mad ~ Glasnevin has more sad dogs than Trump has ~ All yabbering and howling like banshees !
It’s very simple. Knackers from the uk come back to Ireland for the summer after a hard year robbing pensioners and set up temporary camps like the one in Ennis at the minute. Then all of a sudden as if by some sort of coincidence, dogs, trailers, tools and caravan theft goes up. What does the garda and local council’s do about it? Not a lot. They should be moved on the minute they set up camp. Last year Ennis council spent about 80k cleaning up one temporary camp on the gort road as they’d made shit of the place.
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