XL bullies have been the third most stolen canine breeds final yr, latest figures have proven.
The breed, which was banned by the Government at the start of this yr, skilled a surge in thefts in 2023 with some 37 stolen.
It comes amid an increase in general canine thefts final yr, with police figures suggesting at least 2,290 dogs were stolen.
Just one in six (16 per cent) have been discovered and returned efficiently, the bottom stage since insurer Direct Line began monitoring the information in 2015.
English bulldogs, French bulldogs and XL bullies have been essentially the most ceaselessly stolen breeds, whereas the Metropolitan Police registered essentially the most thefts, with 359 dogs reported lacking throughout London, adopted by Kent Police (138) and West Yorkshire Police (125).
The insurer stated English bulldogs and “Frenchies” are often marketed for round £3,000, that means criminals can safe giant sums for these animals.
Beverley Cuddy, the editor of Dogs Today journal, a patron of Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance and founding father of canine homing web site Bark Angel, stated: “Sadly, dog theft is still obviously very attractive to callous thieves as figures show it being up 6 per cent on last year.
“Shockingly, in 2023 almost three-quarters of pet owners didn’t get their stolen pets back.
“The Theft Act still treats this crime as no more significant than the theft of a mobile phone – so all our pets are at risk of abduction.
“We can make it harder for impulsive criminals by never leaving our dogs tied up outside shops and protecting them when at home.”
She added: “Prior to the ban the XL bullies were changing hands for extraordinary amounts of money.
“They had quickly become a very fashionable dog and sadly, expensive and popular dogs are high on the list for dog thieves.
“Since the ban on selling and rehoming XL bullies came in at the end of 2023 in England and Wales, and more recently in Scotland, it’s unlikely they’ll continue to be the most wanted by crooks. Their place will undoubtedly be taken next year by the latest must-have breed.”
