Dog Theft - Is It On The Rise?

Sadly the answer is yes. Research in America
shows that dog theft figures have trebled in
recent years. The U.K also has the same
increase.

Obviously money is the primary reason. Stealing
a dog off the streets, from pet stores or from a
park and then selling them on to unsuspecting
buyers is becoming a popular practise. People
rarely believe that someone's a fake dog
breeder. They have no reason to suspect
anything. A buyer is usually only interested in
the new dog's health, have they been vaccinated
etc and the cheap price they've managed to pay.
A thief will easily obtain fake documents off
the internet and lie to you about the animals
health and vet visits. Once you've paid it's
highly unlikely you'll ever be able to get hold
of them again.

A lot of sales from drug users to dog fighters
happen because of the need for fighting dogs for
the illegal practise of dog baiting that sadly
still continues. These evil people don't care if
the dog can't fight, they will use it for bait
for the other dog to practise on. Sick, but very
true. Different breeds are going to be a target
for various reasons. Lurchers are sold on for
hunting, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and similar
breeds for fighting and the smaller dogs like
Yorkshire Terriers are quick and easy to steal.
Breeding is another reason for dog theft and if
the dog has been neutered then they will just
sell it on.

U.K animal charity Dog Lost works tirelessly to
reunite lost and stolen dogs with their owners.
The Doglost founder, Jane Hayes says "It's
rising and rising, and probably due to the
recession," she says "It's a good way to make
money because owners will pay anything to get
their dogs back. One owner paid £25,000
and had to remortgage the family home." Thieves
are very aware how much pets are loved and if
they can tap into the heartbreak of losing a
beloved member of the family they will ransom it
for as much as possible.

Sadly some people just take an animal because
they want it. I heard about an old man in my
area who lived on a very tight budget but truly
loved his cat. He always made sure his cat was
fed was groomed and vaccinated. When his cat
went missing he was devastated and never really
recovered. I had an idea as to who had done this
but nothing could be proven. The person I had my
suspicions about would have given the cat a
lovely life but this was no justification for
taking him from his owner. Poor or not the cat
was loved and extremely well looked after.
People too often think they can judge other
people's lifestyles, but rarely enquire properly
as to their circumstances.

Below are some tips on keeping your dog safe.

Don't leave your dog tied up outside when you're
shopping. It sounds obvious but people do it a
lot. Nobody would ever leave their child on a
lead outside a shop and when we park our bikes
we usually make sure they're secure with a bike
chain. So why think your dog will be safe. It
won't.

Don't leave your dog on their own in a car. If a
pet thief sees a chance they won't think twice
about smashing your car window in if it means
they'll get money.

Do listen to your instincts. It's always right.
Be paranoid if someone is paying too much
attention to your dog, asking too many
questions. You don't have to be rude but be
alert as to who's around you.

Don't lose sight of your dog in the park and
keep an eye out for any one suspiciously hanging
around.

Do have your dog microchipped immediately.

Don't buy a stolen pet even if you think you're
getting a brilliant deal. You will only be
helping this vicious circle to continue.

Do get a new animal checked out with your vet if
you're suspicious about their past.

Don't buy pets off the internet. You will never
truly know their past.

Always thoroughly check out a breeder before
committing to buying an animal and if possible
try to rehome an animal from a rescue centre.

----------------------------------------------------
Alex Kelly

As a pet owner, my articles are based on issues
I feel are important for fellow animal lovers.
Pet Promenade has everything you will need for
the furry member of the family. From pet food,
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