Dognapping fears are on the up
Fear of canine crime is rising among British dog owners – with good reason.
According to new research by Direct Line Pet Insurance, close to half of British dog owners (43 per cent) are worried about dognapping compared to two fifths (39 per cent) in 2005. And their concern is justified, as currently more than 17 dog owners a day have fallen prey to pet theft.*
Stepping up security measures appears to be at the forefront of pet owners’ minds. More than half of dog owners questioned (51 per cent) say they have micro-chipped their dog to keep track of its whereabouts, a quarter won’t let their dog off its lead (24 per cent), and 14 per cent won’t risk taking their dog out after dark. A worried 28 per cent have also taken out pet insurance that covers them for theft.
Desperate to retrieve their four-legged friend if it went missing, nearly all owners would inform the police (94 per cent). Four per cent said they would even hire a private detective to help track down their pet. Many (46 per cent) would also be prepared to offer a reward for the safe return of their pet.
The Direct Line Pet Insurance research found that dog owners in the North West would be prepared to reward the most for their stolen pet, with those in Wales and the West offering the least.
Yet the emotional impact of a stolen dog can far outweigh any financial impact. More than two thirds of dog owners (68 per cent) admitted that they would be devastated without their pet, with six out of 10 (59 per cent) likening it to losing a friend.
Chris Price, Head of Direct Line Pet Insurance comments:
“The recent cases of dognapping reported in the media has meant that people have become more worried about the safety of their own pets. It’s good that people are cautious about dognapping and are micro-chipping their pets – it obviously won’t stop the dog being stolen but at least it will make it easier for it to be found again.
“We would also advise all pet owners to contact the police and their insurance company straightaway in the event of a suspected theft. Some insurers offer money to help track down missing pets which can also be used as a reward – at Direct Line for example we provide policy holders with £500 towards their advertising and reward costs.”
For more information, log on to www.directline.com/pet
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Lindsay Wienand /Direct Line Press Office
0208 256 5816
Email: Lindsay.wienand@directline.com
Notes to Editors:
Research was carried out online between 14 and 16 June 2006 by YouGov who questioned a sample of 1,605 British dog owners. Results are unweighted.
*Assuming there are 5.4 million dog owners (Target Group Index© BMRB 2005) and three per cent have been a victim of pet theft, four per cent of whom in the last year:
5,400,000 x 0.3 x 0.4 = 6,480 pet owners in the last year, or 17.75 per day.
Direct Line Insurance plc, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Calls may be recorded. Conditions apply.
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