As a result of Lockdown some of us have learnt a new skill, binged on box sets and others have got themselves a new furry friend to play with. Many people craving company or distraction have decided to buy a dog where before they may never have considered it due to financial reasons or lack of time.
The Kennel club saw a 180 percent rise in people wanting to buy dogs. Many breeders were worried that these “Lockdown Puppies” were just temporary entertainment and would later end up in dog's homes. Unfortunately, this increased demand for dogs has also created a surge in dog thefts, with thieves wanting to cash in on this lucrative market. They target pedigree (pure breed) dogs as they are worth the most. Labradors, Cocker Spaniels and French Bulldogs amongst the most popular of 2020. This ruthless crime has caused many dog owners sleepless nights trying to find their beloved pets. Places with the highest rates of dog thefts were Northumbria, Devon, Cornwall and Leicestershire.
During the pandemic there have been some shocking local stories of con- men posing as RSPCA inspectors, to steal dogs directly from their owners. Dog lover and owner Elizabeth Higham said, "As a dog owner I am now very cautious when my dog is off the lead, as I have heard of dog thefts in my local area, in places I had thought to be very safe."
As our current situation changes with greater freedoms, and people’s working lives adapt to our new environment this interest in puppies will decline, and we must consider what will happen to all our Lockdown Puppies and how we will look after them. Breeders and animal lovers urge people to think through their decision, to make sure that dog will be a companion for life.
