In France, dog thefts are rising, with many owners reporting losses on social media and offering large rewards for their pets. Popular breeds, including border collies and chihuahuas, are often targeted for resale or breeding. Thieves resort to violence, as shown in a recent case where a woman was attacked for her dog. Experts suggest tougher penalties for theft, as current laws treat pets as property. Owners are advised not to leave their dogs unattended to prevent theft.
The incidence of dog theft in France is rising sharply. Numerous pet owners are sharing their experiences on social media, with some even offering rewards of up to 10,000 euros for the safe return of their beloved pets—often exceeding the actual value of the dogs. The breeds most commonly targeted include border collies, chihuahuas, Siberian huskies, Australian shepherds, and jack russell terriers. Thieves typically steal younger dogs for illegal resale or older ones for breeding purposes.
Moreover, the lengths to which these criminals will go are alarming; they frequently confront dog owners in public spaces. A recent case involved a young woman who bravely shared her story. When meeting our team, she recounted her terrifying experience, stating, ‘That’s where they grabbed me and put me on the ground, hitting me in the ribs and pulling out a knife to stab my leg in order to steal my dog.’ Thankfully, her German shepherd fought back and bit the assailants, resulting in her sustaining a thigh injury and a sprained ankle. Reflecting on her ordeal, she remarked, ‘I’m fortunate it was my leg and not something vital like my throat; I live in fear that it might happen again or happen to someone I care about.’ She has since filed a police report.
Quick Sales Through Online Platforms
Thieves are also willing to trespass into private properties to find dogs. A homeowner near Brest shared, ‘When I arrived home, I found they had cut through the fence to take my dog.’ Despite filing a report two months ago, the owner has yet to hear any updates about his jack russell. To assist him, Nathalie Loiko, who leads a support group for victims, has intervened. In just four months, she has successfully located eight stolen dogs using consistent methods. ‘We start with neighborhood inquiries to gather witness accounts, follow up with searches on pet classifieds and social media, and recently we’ve partnered with a detective agency to aid in these efforts,’ she explained.
A municipal police officer from Loire-Atlantique noted the speed at which transactions occur on online sales platforms, stating, ‘It’s incredibly fast, especially on these sites; you can easily buy a dog without any documentation. People are often not meticulous when seeking a specific breed.’
Estelle Derrien, a lawyer who specializes in animal law, argues that harsher penalties could deter these crimes. She pointed out, ‘In French law, while we acknowledge that animals are sentient beings, they are treated like property. Thus, if someone steals a watch, a scooter, or a pet, the legal repercussions are similar.’
As a caution, it’s important to remember that offenders can face up to three years in prison and fines reaching 45,000 euros. To protect your dog from potential theft, always ensure they are supervised and never left unattended.