Brits 'have lost 2.88m pets in 5 years'

By Marianne Straker, Fri 6 Aug 2010 - Published in Pet Insurance

New research has claimed that nearly 2.9 million of the UK's cats and dogs could have gone missing since 2005.

A poll of the nation's animal lovers by Sainsbury's Pet Insurance found that around 2.88 million of the canine companions and feline friends have taken a walk and not come back in the past five years.

The research also showed that cats are three times more likely than dogs to go missing, with 15 per cent of owners losing a feline compared to just five per cent of dog lovers.

In addition, the survey found that 22 per cent of those who have lost a pet believe that the animal was taken by thieves.

Lucy Hunter, manager of Sainsbury's Pet Insurance, commented: "Losing a pet can be a devastating experience, but it's alarming to see that many people do not follow the simple steps most likely to result in their safe return."

She explained that most people who lost a pet failed to alert the police, offer a reward or distribute posters around their local area.

Back in May, M&S Pet Insurance warned that animals suffer from more allergies during warmer weather.

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