Dog theft: A booming black market

Dog thefts have been rampant in France for several months. Here are some tips to protect yourself as much as possible.

by Anne

We consider our furry friends as full-fledged members of our family. Yet, some ill-intentioned individuals see them more as commodities and part of a highly lucrative market. Despite the penalties enforced by law, dog thefts have been on the rise in France since the beginning of the health crisis.

Although stealing an animal can result in up to three years in prison and a €45,000 fine, the black market for dog sales is now the third-largest illegal trade in the world. For dog thieves, the reward seems worth the risk: depending on the breed and age, dogs can fetch between €1,500 and €3,500, or even up to €10,000. The most sought-after breeds include Pomeranians, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Chihuahuas, and French Bulldogs. Some dogs are resold, while others meet even more tragic fates, being used for breeding in illegal puppy mills.

Thieves no longer hesitate to break into apartments, houses, and gardens or even snatch dogs in the street by cutting their leash or attacking their owners. “There are even contracts placed on certain dogs identified in advance, carried out by specialists in abduction,” says the spokesperson for the BPA (Animal Protection Brigade), a unit of volunteer police and gendarmes mobilized to tackle the rise in thefts.

What precautions can you take?

Caution is crucial. Several steps can help minimize the risk of your dog being stolen:

  • Ensure your dog is identified in the I-CAD database. This is a legal requirement and the only way to prove your furry friend belongs to you.
  • Never leave your dog outside when you’re away from home. This makes theft much easier. Also, ensure all doors and windows are securely locked.
  • During walks, always keep an eye on your dog if they are off-leash, and be wary of strangers asking questions about their age, breed, or health (though don’t overreact—some people are just curious!).
  • Use a steel-reinforced leash if it helps you feel safer, as it’s harder for thieves to cut.
  • If you need to run errands, drop your dog off at home first. Never leave them tied up outside a store.
  • Be cautious when entrusting your dog to a sitter or walker. Platforms like Tout Pour Le Toutou can help you find a trusted person who is aware of theft risks and will care for your dog during your absence.
What to do if your dog goes missing and you suspect theft?

Here’s what to do right away:

  1. Report the theft to the national I-CAD database, which tracks all identified animals.
  2. File a police report to initiate an investigation.

There are additional steps to increase your chances of finding your furry friend:

  • Share your dog’s photo and description on social media and WhatsApp groups. Dedicated groups have already worked miracles by finding animals hundreds of kilometers away from their owners.
  • Search online listings for dog sales. This is the most commonly used method for selling stolen pets.
  • Use traditional methods, like posting flyers in your neighborhood and speaking to local shopkeepers.
  • Contact animal protection organizations like Alerte Animaux Volés, the BPA, and the Fondation Assistance aux Animaux, which are well-versed in measures to increase your chances of recovery.

It’s not about avoiding walks or worrying every time you leave your pet at home. By staying vigilant and following these simple guidelines, you can protect your dog while enjoying life together.

Let’s hope the animal welfare law, already in effect since 2024, will start to show its impact soon, especially in regulating online pet sales more strictly and reversing this troubling trend!

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