West Midlands Police Puppy Theft: Stolen Pup Reunited in Birmingham

West Midlands Police reunited a stolen four-month-old French Bulldog puppy named Moxley with his owner Gabriel Foley just hours after the dog was taken during a break-in in Kings Norton, Birmingham. Officers from the Kings Norton neighbourhood police team discovered the puppy hidden in a garden before returning him safely—then arrested a woman and two children in connection with the theft.

Quick facts: Stolen: 19 December 2025 · Recovered: within hours · Location: Kings Norton, Birmingham · Breed: French Bulldog · Owner: Gabriel Foley

Where was the stolen puppy found in Birmingham?

The theft targeted four-month-old French Bulldog puppy Moxley during a break-in at a residential address in Kings Norton, Birmingham. West Midlands Police officers responded swiftly after receiving the report that the puppy had been taken from the property.

Officers from the Kings Norton neighbourhood police team located Moxley within hours of the theft occurring. The puppy was discovered in the garden of a house—hidden from view—before police were able to return him to his relieved owner, Gabriel Foley.

“This is the moment we found a puppy stolen during a break-in—and reunited him with his grateful owner.”

— West Midlands Police, official body-worn video documentation

The rescue operation was documented using body-worn cameras worn by the officers, providing clear footage of the recovery. Police found the puppy frightened but unharmed in the garden area.

Theft details

The break-in occurred at Gabriel Foley’s Kings Norton address, where Moxley and potentially other pets were present. The circumstances suggest the puppy was specifically targeted during the burglary.

Police discovery

Using information from the theft report and neighbourhood intelligence, officers conducted a targeted search of nearby properties. The quick thinking of the Kings Norton team led them to a house where Moxley had been hidden in the garden.

“Officers from our Kings Norton neighbourhood police team really won the affection of local residents when they rescued the French Bulldog puppy just hours after he was taken.”

— West Midlands Police statement, YouTube channel

Reunification

Moxley was returned to Gabriel Foley on the same day he was recovered. The emotional reunion was captured as part of West Midlands Police’s community engagement efforts.

What is the punishment for dog theft in the UK?

Dog theft carries serious legal consequences in the United Kingdom. The maximum penalty for stealing a dog can include up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine, reflecting the emotional and financial value pets hold for their owners.

Pet Abduction Act 2024

The Pet Abduction Act 2024 created a new criminal offence specifically targeting the theft of pet animals. Before this legislation, dog theft was treated under general theft laws. The new act recognises pets as sentient beings with their own welfare needs.

Under this legislation, anyone who abducts a dog or cat can face prosecution as a distinct crime. Penalties were designed to reflect the distress caused to both animals and their owners.

Maximum penalties

The maximum sentence for pet abduction is five years imprisonment, though most cases result in lower sentences depending on circumstances. Courts also consider the impact on the animal’s welfare when determining punishment.

Recent changes

The creation of pet abduction as a specific offence acknowledges the growing concern over rising pet theft rates. The government intended the legislation to act as a deterrent and provide better protections for pet owners.

In the Moxley case, the woman arrested accepted a caution for handling stolen goods—a resolution that doesn’t carry the maximum penalties but does result in a criminal record.

What happens if someone steals your dog?

If your dog is stolen, immediate action significantly improves the chances of recovery. Pet theft victims should follow specific steps to maximise the possibility of locating their animal and helping police bring offenders to justice.

Immediate steps

1. Report to police immediately: Call 101 for non-emergency reporting or 999 if the theft is in progress. Provide details of your dog, where they were taken from, and any suspicious activity you noticed.
2. Contact your microchip provider: Ensure your dog’s microchip details are current. Stolen dogs are sometimes recovered and scanned—having accurate registration helps prove ownership.
3. Notify local veterinary clinics: Dogs stolen for resale may be taken to vets for vaccination or examination. Clinics can watch for your dog.
4. Alert neighbourhood networks: Share details with local community groups, neighbours, and social media. Witnesses may have seen something.
5. Check microchip if recovered: If your dog is found, have them scanned immediately to verify identity and ownership.

Reporting process

West Midlands Police allows multiple ways to report crime. Citizens can call 101, use the live chat function on west-midlands.police.uk, or submit information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Recovery chances

Rapid police response to pet theft can result in successful recovery within hours, as demonstrated by the Moxley case. The sooner you report and the more information you provide, the better your chances of finding your dog.

West Midlands Police has dedicated neighbourhood policing teams in areas like Kings Norton who can respond quickly to pet theft reports and conduct targeted searches.

How common is puppy theft?

Puppy theft has increased significantly across the UK in recent years, with certain breeds particularly targeted due to their high resale value. French Bulldogs like Moxley rank among the most commonly stolen breeds due to demand and breeding difficulties.

West Midlands stats

West Midlands Police handles pet theft from residential properties as a documented crime category. Freedom of Information requests have shown that certain breeds—including French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and other popular types—appear frequently in theft reports.

The Moxley case illustrates how neighbourhood police teams in the West Midlands actively pursue pet theft cases and work to recover stolen animals quickly.

National trends

Nationally, dog theft increased substantially between 2019 and 2024, prompting government action through the Pet Abduction Act 2024. The RSPCA has published guidance on preventing theft and keeping pets secure.

Winter risks

Winter months sometimes see increased pet theft activity as demand for puppies rises and dogs spend more time indoors, making break-ins more likely when owners are home. The RSPCA recommends that owners remain vigilant during darker months and avoid leaving pets alone in vehicles or gardens.

What is Lucy’s law in the UK?

Lucy’s Law is legislation introduced in England in April 2020 that bans the third-party sale of puppies and kittens. Named after a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who died after suffering neglect in a puppy farm environment, the law aims to crack down on unethical breeding and reduce the market that drives theft.

Key provisions

Under Lucy’s Law, anyone wishing to sell a puppy or kitten must have bred the animal themselves or be a caretaker of the mother. This eliminates commercial dealers who buy animals from farms and resell them at inflated prices.

Buyers must deal directly with breeders or see animals with their mothers in the breeder’s home environment. This measure helps reduce the demand for stolen or mistreated animals.

Impact on theft

While Lucy’s Law doesn’t directly address theft, it reduces the market for illegally obtained puppies. By making ethical sourcing mandatory, the law makes it harder for stolen dogs to be sold through legitimate channels.

Related protections

The Pet Abduction Act 2024 builds on Lucy’s Law by creating stronger penalties for theft. Together, these measures aim to protect animal welfare throughout the supply chain—from breeding through to ownership.

What is the 7-7-7 rule for dogs?

The 7-7-7 rule is a guideline suggesting new dog owners should plan for: 7 days of decompression after adoption, 7 weeks to establish routines, and 7 months for a dog to fully adjust to their new home. While not legally required, this framework helps owners understand the adjustment period.

The rule doesn’t directly relate to theft prevention but can help owners recognise behavioural changes in their pets that might indicate stress or trauma following a theft and recovery.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for dogs?

The 3-3-3 rule suggests dogs need: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn routines, and 3 months to feel at home. Like the 7-7-7 rule, this guideline assists owners in understanding normal adjustment behaviour.

If your dog is recovered after theft, these timelines may be extended as the animal processes the trauma of being stolen and then returned. Patience and consistent care help dogs recover from the stress of such experiences.

How to prevent puppy theft in winter?

Winter presents specific challenges for pet security. Darker evenings mean owners walk dogs at times when suspicious activity is less visible. Thieves may also assume pets are indoors more often, creating opportunistic break-in scenarios.

The RSPCA recommends keeping dogs leashed in unfamiliar areas, not leaving pets in cars, and being cautious about sharing too much information on social media about your dog’s location or routines.

How to report dog theft quickly?

West Midlands Police offers multiple reporting channels for pet theft:

• Emergency (999): Only if theft is in progress or suspects are still present
• Non-emergency (101): Standard reporting line for theft that has already occurred
• Online: Live chat via west-midlands.police.uk
• Anonymous (Crimestoppers): 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org

When reporting, provide your dog’s description, microchip number, any distinguishing features, recent photographs, and details of where and when they were taken.

What breeds are commonly stolen in West Midlands?

French Bulldogs, like Moxley, are among the most frequently stolen breeds in the West Midlands and nationally due to high resale values and popularity. Dachshunds, Labradoodles, and English Bulldogs also appear regularly in theft reports.

West Midlands Police have documented that popular breeds command high prices on the secondary market, making them attractive targets for organised thieves.

West Midlands Police invoked the Pet Abduction Act 2024, which imposes UK theft penalties including up to five years imprisonment for offenders.