Concerns over dog theft are growing in Budapest after a small dog was stolen outside the Westend shopping centre, while animal-welfare advocates warn that existing rules may leave unattended pets particularly vulnerable. The dog was taken from the shopping centre’s Lehel Square entrance after its owners left it tied up for just over 20 minutes. The owner, Dániel, immediately launched an appeal on social media.
Dogs are being kidnapped in Budapest
An animal shelter volunteer later spotted the dog with three teenagers near Boráros Square and photographed the group. However, because the animal appeared calm and the volunteer could not be certain that the teenagers were not its owners, he did not approach them. The dog was eventually found alive after an overnight search. A member of the public spotted it near Jászai Mari Square, and Dániel found the animal waiting outside his former home in District VII in the early hours.
Police investigating these cases
Dániel reported the incident to police, who confirmed that the District VI Police Department is investigating suspected theft by an unknown perpetrator. The Budapest Police Headquarters said the necessary investigative measures are ongoing. The dog has been recovered, although assessing its welfare and health is outside the police’s remit. Dániel said he has not yet been informed whether investigators have identified any suspects.
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Another suspected attempt in Békásmegyer
The incident is not the only recent case raising concerns. As Blikk writes, local resident in Békásmegyer reported seeing a small poodle tied up outside a food shop while a woman in a disturbed mental state allegedly tried to lure it away with pâté. A passer-by reportedly intervened and stopped the attempt. These incidents have prompted renewed warnings about leaving dogs unattended outside shops, even for short periods.
Animal welfare group calls for legal change
Tamás Gábor Kovács, president of the 11 Animal Protection Association, said the current legal interpretation does not explicitly make it illegal to tie a dog up in a public place. Under the existing interpretation, the owner can still be considered to be exercising supervision over the animal. The association has challenged this interpretation for around two years, arguing that an owner who enters a shop and cannot see the animal is not exercising genuine supervision.
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Don’t leave your pets unsupervised in public
Kovács warned that an unattended dog can face several risks, including theft, poisoning or becoming frightened and potentially biting someone. He also said stolen dogs may be transported outside Budapest and, according to animal-welfare concerns, could be exploited for begging or, in the most serious cases, used as bait for fighting dogs. The recent cases serve as warning signs for owners to avoid leaving pets unattended in public places, while the debate over whether current rules provide adequate protection continues.
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