Budapest police investigate rise in dog thefts

Concerns regarding dog theft are increasing in Budapest following the theft of a small dog outside the Westend shopping centre. The animal was taken from the Lehel Square entrance after being left tied up for approximately 20 minutes.

Following an overnight search, the dog was located alive near Jászai Mari Square and returned to its owner. The District VI Police Department is currently investigating the incident as a suspected theft by an unknown perpetrator.

Animal welfare advocates have issued warnings, noting that pets left unsupervised in public are particularly vulnerable. This incident follows another reported attempt in Békásmegyer, where a bystander intervened during an attempt to lure a poodle away from a shop.