Warning after dog kidnappings

Fifty dogs are thought to be stolen each week in Kent

Dog wardens have warned pet owners to be vigilant after an increase in canine kidnappings in the South East.

The warning follows an estimate by the pressure group Justice Against Canine Kidnappers that about 50 dogs are stolen every week in Kent.

Insurance companies say 26,000 stolen dog claims are made every year in Britain.

One dog owner, who did not want to be identified for safety reasons, said she had to pay £3,000 to get her two Labradors back from dog-nappers.

Ransom demand

The woman from West Malling, in Kent, said: "They kept calling and threatening to put the price up, they said they knew where we lived and knew we could afford more.

"We were told to leave the money and then told to go home and wait for Rosie and Poppy to be returned to us.

"People are so involved with their dogs it is not as bad as losing a child but it is like that."

The problem is getting worse and the stress and trauma the owners and animals go through is unbelievable Brian Milligan, dog warden

Dog wardens believe the animals are being stolen to be sold on for breeding.

Kent warden Brian Milligan said it was a serious crime that should be reported to police.

"The problem is getting worse and the stress and trauma the owners and animals go through is unbelievable.

"So if a dog is stolen, report it to the police and get an incident number as the police have to take this seriously."

Kent Police have admitted it is a difficult crime to solve as they cannot be sure if the dogs have run away or been stolen.

Pet owners are been advised to get their dogs fitted with micro chips.