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'Low conviction rate' for dog thefts in Wales
cocker spaniel
According to DogLost, there is a 15 per cent annual rise in dog thefts across the UK.
FOI request reveals 3 per cent of cases result in charges

In the past five years, just 3 per cent of dog thefts in Wales have resulted in a prosecution, according to figures obtained by BBC News from three of the four Welsh police forces.

Figures acquired through a freedom of information (FOI) request show that between 2010 and February 2015, over 520 dogs were reported stolen but only 15 were charged.
  • South Wales Police dealt with 239 reported dog thefts, resulting in five people being charged.
  • North Wales Police had 172 reported thefts, with nine people charged.
  • Dyfed-Powys Police had 114 thefts and one person was charged.
  • Gwent Police had 38 dog thefts between 2012-14 but did not have information on how many people were charged.

According to the FOI statistics, working dogs such as lurchers and cocker spaniels, are the most common breeds stolen in Wales, alongside 'fashionable' breeds including Chihuahuas and French bulldogs.

The four police forces told BBC News that dog thefts are treated very seriously and further action will be taken if there is sufficient evidence. North Wales Police said compulsory microchipping of dogs, due to come into place in April next year, will help.

DogLost, a service which helps owners search for their missing dog, warns that thefts are on the rise. The group told BBC News it has seen a 15 per cent annual rise in crime across the UK.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.