Cat thefts in the UK rose by 14% in 2025, according to a new report from Keele University, which also found that cat abduction increased more than three times faster than dog theft.
Despite the surge, fewer than 1% of cat abduction cases result in a criminal charge, even though a suspect was named in 45% of them. The report, written by Dr Daniel Allen and based on Freedom of Information data from dozens of UK police forces, suggests pet theft is viewed as a low-risk crime.
Dog and cat theft statistics
The research found 1,193 dogs were stolen or abducted in 2025, a rise of 5%. A suspect was named in 44% of dog cases, but only 11 (1.4%) resulted in a charge or summons. During the same period, 507 cats were taken, with only 15% recovered and 0.9% ending in a charge.
The report also identified the top five targeted breeds. Tabby cats were the most frequently snatched, followed by Maine Coon, British Shorthair, Bengal, and Ragdoll. For dogs, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier topped the list, followed by French Bulldog, Dachshund, German Shepherd, and Cocker Spaniel.
Pet Abduction Act 2024 impact
The rise in thefts comes despite the introduction of the Pet Abduction Act 2024, which made the abduction of cats and dogs a specific criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland. Dr Allen said: “The report demonstrates that the introduction of the Pet Abduction Act 2024 has failed to stop the rise in pet theft across the UK and that the pattern of low criminal charges creates minimal deterrence for offenders.”
He added: “While a step in the right direction, the new law has not yet translated into meaningful improvements in enforcement or criminal justice outcomes. Offending was heavily concentrated in residential settings for both species, with this pattern particularly pronounced for cats in 2025.”
Owner experiences and advice
One victim, Christopher De Freitas, is still searching for his seven-year-old dog Zidane, who went missing in August 2026 while De Freitas was on holiday in Cornwall. A dog-sitter alerted them, and doorbell camera footage showed a woman entering the house and taking the dog. Essex Police confirmed a 49-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of burglary remains on bail until October 29th.
In another case, a cat named Rudy went missing in London in March 2026. Owner Valeriia received a message demanding payment for his safe return. She gathered evidence, including bank details, and reported it to the police, after which Rudy was returned the same day. She advised other owners: “Be vigilant, and where possible, have a tracker on the collar so you can see their movement.”
The report also found that 74% of cats and 73% of dogs were taken from the owner’s home or garden. Only 21% of stolen dogs were recovered in 2025, up from 18% in 2024, while cat recovery fell to 15% from 17%. A survey of 2,000 pet owners found 27% believed social media posts were more effective than reporting to police (13%). Debbie Matthews, an award-winning animal welfare campaigner, urged owners to use security measures and check microchip details.
