'Low conviction rate' for dog thefts in Wales
According to DogLost, there is a 15 per cent annual rise in dog thefts across the UK.
In the past five years, just 3 per cent of dog thefts in Wales have resulted in a prosecution, according to figures obtained by BBC News from three of the four Welsh police forces.
Figures acquired through a freedom of information (FOI) request show that between 2010 and February 2015, over 520 dogs were reported stolen but only 15 were charged.
- South Wales Police dealt with 239 reported dog thefts, resulting in five people being charged.
- North Wales Police had 172 reported thefts, with nine people charged.
- Dyfed-Powys Police had 114 thefts and one person was charged.
- Gwent Police had 38 dog thefts between 2012-14 but did not have information on how many people were charged.
According to the FOI statistics, working dogs such as lurchers and cocker spaniels, are the most common breeds stolen in Wales, alongside 'fashionable' breeds including Chihuahuas and French bulldogs.
The four police forces told BBC News that dog thefts are treated very seriously and further action will be taken if there is sufficient evidence. North Wales Police said compulsory microchipping of dogs, due to come into place in April next year, will help.
DogLost, a service which helps owners search for their missing dog, warns that thefts are on the rise. The group told BBC News it has seen a 15 per cent annual rise in crime across the UK.
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.
