The dognappers, it seems, are more brazen than ever. NBCWashington passes on statistics from the American Kennel Club which show dognappings are up 32 percent in 2011 — across the country, a record 224 dogs have been reported stolen this year, as opposed to 150 over the same time period in 2010.

“Owners reported pets taken from houses, cars, pet stores and even from a child’s arms,” the report states. “Officials say many dogs end up sold, given as gifts and sometimes held for ransom.”

Ransom, eh? Just another reason never to leave your pup tied up unattended outside the Whole Foods, I suppose.