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Young toy breeds most at risk of theft

Data analysis reveals most at risk dogs

Young toy breeds are the most likely type of dog to be stolen, a Loughborough criminologist has concluded after analysing data from an online forum of lost dogs.

Dr Louise Grove from Loughborough University analysed data from doglost.co.uk, including 457 reports of dog theft from September 2011 to August 2012.

According to Dr Grove's findings, around three quarters of the dogs stolen during this period were pedigrees and nearly half were small or toy breeds.

Half of the stolen dogs were described as puppies or young adults, though preliminary findings indicate the sex of the dog makes no difference to its chances of being stolen.

Of the 457 dogs reported stolen, just over half (54 per cent) were reunited with their owners.

Dr Grove said: "Whilst some dogs may be stolen to order, it is clear some dog theft is opportune. Owners can do a lot to minimise the chances of their dogs being taken."

During the period studied by Dr Grove, the garden was found to be the most likely place for theft to occur, with 49 per cent of the dogs being taken there.

After the garden, the most common places for dog theft were found to be the home, kennel, vehicle, farm and outside a shop.

Concluding, Dr Grove said: “Dogs remain attractive to thieves because in many cases they can be sold on quickly and are not easily traced. Compulsory microchipping of all dogs would play a huge role in reducing dog theft.”

Findings from the research were featured on BBC Radio 5 Live Investigates on Sunday, December 22.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.