NINE people were charged with dog thefts in West Yorkshire last year, up from six in 2013, with police acknowledging the crime can be very distressing for owners.
During 2014 there were 108 dogs reports stolen, down slightly on the previous year when 122 were taken.
The force said: “West Yorkshire Police acknowledge that the theft of a dog can be a very distressing matter for the owner and others close to them.
"The number of charges that have been brought in relation to this offence is low however, summons and community resolution disposals may also be used and in some cases the dog is recovered (missing rather than stolen) and therefore no charges are necessary.
“Local knowledge is a key part of this type of investigation therefore we do not have a specific team that deals with dog thefts, they are dealt with as part of normal neighbourhood policing duties.”
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