The most stolen cat and dog breeds across Britain revealed - so, is YOUR beloved pet at risk?

The pet breeds most at risk of being stolen across Britain have been officially unveiled - with pedigree and popular family dogs prime targets for incessant thieves.In a disturbing trend plaguing gardens across Britain, animals are being swiped by opportunistic thieves on the hunt for a quick profit.Now, new findings released in the Pet Database Pet Theft and Abduction Report have shown that cases of cat theft and abduction rose by 14 per cent last year, while dog thefts and abductions increased by 4.2 per cent. The data, compiled by Dr Daniel Allen, founder of Pet Theft Reform and animal geographer at Keele University, has painted a rather bleak picture of the rates of animal theft recorded by the nation's police forces.It revealed that a total of 1,700 dogs and cats were stolen across 2025, with the British dog breed most at risk of theft being a Staffordshire Bull Terrier - amounting to 8.1 per cent of crimes.This was followed by thefts of French Bulldogs and Dachshunds, while German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels came in at fourth and fifth on the list. Of the recorded thefts, 36.1 per cent were found to have taken place at a person's home. Of the 1,085 police-recorded crimes for dogs, the highest number took place in Lancashire, followed by Kent, West Yorkshire, Essex and Northumbria. For cats, beloved tabbies are most at risk of being stolen across Britain, followed by Maine Coons, British Shorthairs, Ragdolls and Russian Blues. Up to 507 cats were stolen or abducted across the country in 2025. The pet breeds most at risk of being stolen across Britain have been officially unveiled - with pedigree and popular family dogs prime targets for incessant thieves The new findings come just weeks after two crooks in Hull were caught on camera filming themselves grabbing a family's rabbit (pictured) by the ears before making off with the petCats are most likely to be stolen from an owner's house or home, coming in at 56.2 per cent, while 10.6 per cent of the 466 police-recorded crimes occurred on the street or road. Across the nation, cat thefts and abductions were most prominent in Essex and West Yorkshire, followed by Lancashire, Kent and Derbyshire. The report, which was written by Dr Daniel Allen of Keele University, encouraged pet owners to remember that instances of abduction and theft still remain incredibly low. It added that 20.5 per cent of dogs were later recovered, and 15.0 per cent of cats were also reunited with their owners, meaning that police forces are working diligently to try and stamp out these crimes.Under the Pet Abduction Act of 2024, stealing a dog or a cat in Britain is considered a dedicated criminal offence and carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine or both.However, Dr Allen's report revealed that the act has ultimately 'failed to stop the rise in pet theft across the UK'.Only 1.4 per cent of dog cases resulted in a charge, while 0.9 per cent of cat cases resulted in a charge. 'The pattern of low criminal charges creates minimal deterrence for offenders. While a step in the right direction, the new law has not yet translated into meaningful improvements in enforcement or criminal justice outcomes,' Dr Allen explained.The new findings come just weeks after two crooks in Hull were caught on camera filming themselves grabbing a family's rabbit by the ears before making off with the pet.Experts have warned the desire for criminals to sell pets on for inflated prices or use them for illegal breeding are the main driving force behind thefts.Even older breeds of dogs are grabbed to act as bait and train fighting dogs in preparation for illegal bouts.The safe return of the rabbit, named Peter, to his East Yorkshire home last month inspired thousands to express their relief on social media. Single mother Amy Ulliott, 38, and her teenage children were finally reunited after being alerted to a small brown rabbit answering to Peter's description had been found in a car park around a mile away.Humberside Police are investigating the theft, with Ms Ulliott claiming the CCTV shows them speaking Russian and potentially 'planning to make a stew' out of her pet.But not all owners are as lucky, with hundreds of dogs and cats stolen each year – including 237 in London alone in 2025.'For the families who are searching, not knowing the whereabouts and welfare of abducted pets is a traumatic experience,' Dr Allen said.'Pet abduction is a cruel and devastating crime for people and pets.'He added that most dogs are taken from homes or gardens, so urged owners to ensure their 'properties are secure'.'The same goes for public spaces – do not leave dogs unattended and keep them close or secure on a lead when walking,' he added.In May 2024, the Pet Abduction Act came into effect, making pet theft a criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland. The crime is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.But this has not fully deterred animal thieves, many of whom are keen to make a quick buck by selling the pet on for others' entertainment – including for brutal dog fights.Since 2020, there has been a 34 per cent increase in dog fights. In 2023, the RSPCA recorded 560 organised dog fights, an increase from 418 in 2020.'Police now need the resources and commitment to investigate pet abduction thoroughly, catch the thieves and ensure prosecutions,' Dr Allen said.'Without strong enforcement, pet abduction remains a low-risk, high-reward crime – and families and animals continue to suffer.'The RSPCA's main advice for managing pet theft or abduction is to ensure your pets are neutered, microchipped with up-to-date contact details registered and wearing a collar with contact details embroidered or an engraved ID tag. Most targeted dog breeds 1. Staffordshire Bull Terrier 2. French Bulldog 3. Dachshund 4. German Shepherd 5. Cocker Spaniel Most targeted cat breeds 1. Tabby 2. Maine Coon3. British Shorthair 4. Ragdoll5. Russian Blue