Almost half a million people in Britain have joined a campaign to make dog stealing a special crime.

Lucrative dog thefts have risen by 250% in the last year.

Melissa Cole says her dog was stolen and used to reproduce.

Police say criminals see a lucrative trade in producing and selling young dogs because of an increased demand for the animals.

Lucrative describes an activity, business or investment that leads to great wealth you can use profitable in the exact same way.