National Dog Theft Awareness Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Dog Theft Awareness Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Dog Theft Awareness Day is observed on March 14th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Dog Theft Awareness Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you might want to know about National Dog Theft Awareness Day.

📅 What day is National Dog Theft Awareness Day 2024?

In 2024, National Dog Theft Awareness Day is on Tuesday, March 14th. It is the 2nd Tuesday in March; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the exciting details and facts about March 14, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

National Dog Theft Awareness Day is observed on the 14th of March to increase awareness about the dangers of dog theft. The main objective of this day is to educate people about the realities of dog theft and to provide them with information on how to safeguard their pets. Although many believe that dog theft is an impulsive act, research indicates that organized crime plays a significant role and that the trade is profitable due to its low-risk and high-reward nature. To combat this issue, stricter regulations need to be implemented. Therefore, dog owners must take proactive measures to ensure the safety of their beloved pets.

📜 National Dog Theft Awareness Day History

The British government has established a special task force, called the Pet Theft Taskforce, with the help of Members of Parliament like Tom Hunt, Siobhan Baillie, Ian Duncan Smith, Robert Buckland, and Priti Patel. The task force aims to make dog theft a specific crime in the Kept Animal Bill. This new law will give judges the power to impose appropriate prison sentences to deter dog theft, protect the public, and give the police more authority in such cases.

In 2010, British actress Sheridan Smith experienced the theft of her dog twice in one month. She was able to reunite with her Shar-Pei, Enid, after seeking help on social media. In 2016, a greyhound worth over a million dollars was stolen from its trainer’s kennels in Ireland. The puppy was taken for ransom and later found by Irish police in the hideout of well-known criminals. In the United Kingdom, the Theft Act of 1968 considers the theft of a dog a felony, although dogs are considered personal property. The severity of the punishment depends on the value of the dog. Currently, dog thieves can face up to seven years in prison under existing laws.

✅ National Dog Theft Awareness Day Facts

🔖 Where do they go?
Most stolen dogs end up being sold to breeding facilities, while some are used as “bait dogs” to train illegal fighting dogs. Additionally, there are cases where stolen dogs are sold directly on the streets at exorbitant prices, sometimes reaching thousands of dollars.

🔖 Microchips are the best defense
Microchips allow dog owners to monitor and keep tabs on their pets’ whereabouts using smartphone applications.

🔖 Most missing dogs are never recovered
More than 70% of dogs that go missing are never found.

👍 Why Is National Dog Theft Awareness Day Important

By raising awareness regarding dog theft, pet owners become more knowledgeable and responsible. They become more alert and take the necessary precautions to protect their canines.

Dog owners can deter criminals from stealing their pets by using microchipping, collar I.D.s, and practices such as spaying or neutering. Pet thieves dislike being traced, and a dog that cannot procreate is useless to them.

Politicians are legislators who frequently act if their constituents apply enough pressure. People may use National Dog Theft Awareness Day to urge their officials to address the issue. Several British Members of Parliament are already working to strengthen punishments for dog theft.

🙂 How To Observe National Dog Theft Awareness Day

⚡ Be proactive and vigilant

⚡ Get your dog microchipped
If your dog goes missing or is taken, having a microchip greatly improves the chances of finding it again. Microchips also provide a permanent way to identify pets and their rightful owners.

⚡ Spay or neuter your dog
Allow your dog to wander unattended, even within your compound. Maintain a collar with a current license and ID tags for easy identification.

📅 When is National Dog Theft Awareness Day?

View all 🔗 March holidays, including 🔗 Animal and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

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