People are saying America is going to hell in a hand basket. I’m not really sure about that, but it seems like things are tougher now than ever. Thievery certainly is not helping the situation. Joining copper and other precious metals among things being stolen more often are – dogs.

Yes, you heard that right – canines. Now that is weak! Who would steal a man’s best friend?

According to a recent report dog thefts are up almost 32% this year. The numbers were reported by The American Kennel Club. The thefts are kept track of through a national database that bases its numbers on reports of stolen dogs in the media and individual reports of theft by customers calling its Companion Animal Recovery service.

According to the database, 224 animals were stolen during the first part of 2011, compared with 150 during the same time last year. In 2010, there were only 255 total animal thefts; in 2009, 162 thefts were reported.

Some are taken out of homes, some are taken out of cars, some are taken out of pet stores according to New York-based canine advocacy group. Some are even stolen right out children’s arms. The figures only reflect stolen animals, not lost dogs.

What the heck is going on? The world may not be going to hell in a hand basket, but certainly is going to the dogs! Certainly these dog thieves need some sort of theft class.