Is your family pet at risk? Cats stolen for ransom and even older dogs for illegal breeding – as pair of ‘Russian’ thieves grab rabbit from hutch
A pet rabbit named Peter was taken from a Hull garden by two men who were filmed carrying him away; he was found the next day in a car park about a mile from home. The incident highlights concerns that pets are stolen for resale, ransom or illegal breeding, while some dogs may be used as bait for dog fighting.
The article reports 237 dog and cat thefts in London in 2025, and says the RSPCA recorded 560 organised dog fights in 2023, up from 418 in 2020. Pet theft became a criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland in May 2024, punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine or both. Advice includes securing pets, keeping dogs close in public, and ensuring animals are microchipped with current details.
- Peter the rabbit was stolen from a Hull garden and later found nearby.
- Experts say stolen pets may be resold, ransomed or used for illegal breeding.
- Owners are urged to secure and microchip their pets.