Dog welfare groups claim thefts of canines is on the rise amid a surge in demand

Animal welfare groups are saying more pople are reporting the theft of animals. Stock image

A spike in the thefts of dogs across the country could be related to a high demand in pets brought about by Covid-19 lockdown. 

Lynne Cullen, an administrator of Missing Dogs Ireland Facebook page, said the amount of dogs being reported to the page as missing or stolen has doubled.