08/09/2005 An increase in dognapping in the UK has led to extraordinary requests and actions by pet owners.

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An increase in dognapping has alarmed owners of pet dogs. There are particular breeds catching the eye of criminals who know they can sell the dog on and make a large profit. There are fears that dogs are stolen to become breeding machines and may also be used to take part in illegal dog fighting. Some dogs are extremely valuable to the criminals because they can be sold to innocent buyers many times over, they are then stolen from each new home.

Some dogs are valued as police dogs abroad and are sent out of the country almost immediately.

Dogs have been stolen from homes, whilst off the lead on walks and snatched from owner's hands as they walk along the road.

Some owners are faced with a bizarre ransom request, leaving money in plastic bags at night time rendezvous whilst others post ‘Wanted' posters around their local area offering money for their pets' safe return.

A recent case involving a couple from Kent hit the headlines as they remortgaged their home and sold off jewellery to offer £40,000 reward, although a ransom has not been demanded. The increase in dog crime has resulted in a network of websites have emerged, primarily to offer help and advice to owners who have suffered under the hands of criminals stealing their beloved pets. www.dogslost.co.uk offers a telephone number to call and further information regarding animal theft.

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