I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following are the approximate number of dogs reported stolen in 2019 and to the 30th June 2020:
Year
|
2019
|
2020 (to 30 June)
|
Number of dogs stolen
|
205
|
76
|
I am further advised that these figures are approximate as they are based on descriptions given on the PULSE system.
As the Deputy may be aware, on 9 July 2020, An Garda Síochána appealed to the public to take extra crime prevention measures when it comes to caring for their pets, particularly high-value breeds of dogs, following the reporting of a number of dog thefts in recent months. A range of measures for pet safety, recommended by the National Crime Prevention Unit, can be found on the Garda website at https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/news-media/dog-theft-crime-prevention-advice.html.