19 dogs are stolen in just five months in Shropshire

And, in England and Wales, more than 4,500 offences relating to dog thefts have been recorded by police in the last two years.

West Mercia Police said that that in the first five months of this year a total of 19 dogs were snatched in the Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin areas.

Nine were taken from Telford and included Staffordshire bull terriers, labradors, and a Chinese shar pei that was stolen from a garden.

The figures come after pet owner Donna Burgess, aged 25, launched a social media appeal earlier this year in a bid to find her beloved German terrier Ava, who was taken from a garden in Shrewsbury.

Ava was taken to Merthyr Tydfil where she was found tethered to a tree by a stranger. Her microchip helped her to be reunited with Miss Burgess.

No figures were available from Dyfed-Powys Police.

Retailer Pets Corner, which has stores in Telford and Shrewsbury, today released an owner's guide to help residents to safeguard dogs from thieves and what to do if an animal is stolen.

Lucy Ross, head of training at Pets Corner, said: "The emotional impact of losing a cherished pet is profound so if an animal goes missing it can be an incredibly distressing time for its owners.

"There are a number of things that owners can do to help protect their pet from thieves as well as procedures they can follow if an animal is taken."

In April 2016 it became a legal requirement for all UK dog owners to ensure pets have microchips and tags.

Miss Ross said: "Microchips are not a replacement for ID tags on collars – legally all dogs need to have both.

"Having clear identification details on your pet means it can be quickly reunited with its owner should it get lost.

"People should remember to make sure details are always kept up-to-date and to replace ID tags as soon as possible should anything change.

"Advances in technology mean keeping track of a dog whilst out and about has become a lot easier. Dog trackers fit to a dog's collar and use GPS signals to provide live tracking information 24 hours a day.

"They are ideal when you are out and about on walks or simply want to monitor your dog's activity."

Miss Ross said owners should avoid leaving their pet alone in public places or cars and make sure dogs are attached by their lead when getting them out of the car at the end of a journey.

"If a dog is stolen then the owner should inform the police immediately," she said. "They take all crimes very seriously and will issue you with a crime reference number.

"Owners should also contact your local authority dog warden service, local vets, any rescue centres and The Petlog Reunification Service to make them aware your dog has gone missing."