Expensive Chihuahuas, the smallest breed of dog, and other small “toy” dogs are being targeted by conmen in Italy.
As many as 3,500 Chihuahuas were taken last year, a sharp rise over the 1,400 incidents reported in 2014, according to an animal rights organisation in Italy.
Chihuahua puppies can sell for up to €2,500. The kidnapped pooches are frequently used for breeding and for selling on, but sometimes a ransom demand is made.
"This kind of market is increasing because of the demand," said Lorenzo Croce, head of the Italian Association for the Defence of Animals and the Environment.
"In the past there were fashions for Labradors, Dalmatians and Yorkshire Terriers. Now Chihuahuas are all the rage.
"Trafficking has declined among fight dogs now that such fights have gone out of fashion. Animals are used now for reproduction and then put back on sale".
Italian owners are being warned not to lose sight of their pets, especially in large urban areas such as Rome, Florence, Milan and Naples where the highest number of kidnappings have been recorded.
Italian dog owners have harnessed social networks, setting up "Cani rapiti" (snatched dogs) groups to exchange photos and information to try and track abducted pets.
The charity reckons that some 10% of stolen dogs are exported to northern European countries, particularly Germany, for resale.
