CELEBRITIES’ passion for so-called ‘handbag’ dogs is being blamed for fuelling thefts of the breeds in the region.

Pedigree pugs, chihuahuas and French bulldogs are among the most-targeted pint-sized pooches. But the Staffordshire bull terrier is top of the list.

Latest figures show that nationally, six dogs are reported missing every day. And West Yorkshire has been revealed as a hotspot.

Last year, 221 thefts were reported in the county. Only the Metropolitan Police, with 225, had more.

The ‘handbag’ breeds account for over a quarter of pedigrees reported stolen between 2015 and last year, according to Freedom of Information requests.

Now campaigners, who feel present legislation regarding dog thefts is too lenient, are calling for a toughening of the law. They want dog theft to be made a specific crime, with tough sentences.

Wayne May of Dog Lost, which helps reunite missing dogs with their owners said: “We’re lobbying Parliament for a change to recognise dog theft for the heartbreaking crime it is.

“At the moment, it’s legally no different to having your bicycle stolen.”

Richard Jordan, co-founder of Dog Theft Awareness Day, held last Wednesday, said the sight of celebrities such as Lady Gaga with a French bulldog and Paris Hilton with her beloved chihuahua was contributing to increased demand and in turn, thefts.

“High-value breeds including chihuahuas, pugs and French bulldogs are being targeted to fuel this huge demand,” he said. “Often this crime goes unreported, where victims pay ransom demands or they find their stolen pets for sale without contacting the police.

“If dog theft was a specific crime, more could be done to prevent it.”

The Insurance Emporium says 37 per cent of dog thefts occur from homes, followed by 29 per cent from gardens. Thirteen per cent are dogs taken when left tied up outside shops or other premises.

Spokesman Francis Martin said: “Dog theft is a devastating crime.

“If the worst should happen, report it to both the police and your insurer as many policies nowadays will cover the costs involved with trying to find your pet.”

A total of 5,704 dogs were reported snatched in England, Wales and Northern Ireland between 2015 and last year. The Staffordshire bull terrier headed the list of pedigree breeds stolen, followed by the chihuahua.

Other dogs in the top ten of breeds taken included the Jack Russell, French bulldog, Labrador, pug, German shepherd, Yorkshire terrier and cocker spaniel.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “We take all reports of theft extremely seriously and are happy to work with householders and businesses to offer crime prevention advice.“In particular with dogs, We would encourage any owners who have not complied with new legislation regarding getting animals micro-chipped to do so, and ideally to keep them indoors or in secure premises when home alone.”

“When a dog has not been micro-chipped it can be difficult to trace it and return it to its rightful owner.”