Just read this article in my magazine and thought it might be useful to post on YT
Hope it doesn't take me too long to type out lol
You pop into the shop for milk and leave your dog tied up outside. Minutes later you return but there's no wagging tail to great you.
Your pet has vanished without a trace.
Back at home your phone rings and you hope it's a good Samaritan who has found your phone number on your dogs collar. Instead a menacing voice says: "give me £100, or you'll never see your dog again"
It sounds like a scene from a comedy on TV yet this is to becoming a reality for hundreds of pet owners.
According to research by the charity DogLost, more than 500 dogs were snatched in the first two months of this year alone - that's nine a day. And in 10% of cases the thieves demanded a ransom for the dog's safe return. The charity believes the other kidnapped dogs were sold usually for cash to buy drugs.
Are dog owners worrying unnecessarily??... The missing Pets Bureau, recieves around 20,000 calls a month from owners whose pets have vanished. One man reportedly paid £25,000 to get his pooch back, but people who can afford to pay such high ransoms are not the only targets. According to Simon Wosfold NO ANIMAL from the mankiest mutt to the crankiest cat is safe. Even pet owls and a boa constrictor have been stolen.
He says "It's an opportunist thing. People have realised that it's a quick way to make a quick buck out of pet owners. Some of the sums are not very large, around £20-£30.
If your pet is sold on to someone else it's essential that you are able to prove that you're it's true owner. BY LAW AFTER 2 WEEKS THE PERSON WHO HAS THE DOG IN THEIR POSSESSION IS CONSIDERED IT'S OWNER!! The only way to prove indisputably that the dog belongs to you is through their DNA.
So what steps can you take?? Most experts advise micro chipping pets wherever this is possible. Ensure that you have good fences. Keep gates and doors closed. NEVER let your dog out in the street on his own and train him to come when called. Also it is wise to have your dog neutered both females and males are then less likely to roam. Also if you are unsure of the safety of your gardens don't leave your pets unattended.
Also don't leave name tags on collars, "Once thieves have your name and address, phone number and pets name, they can call you and say "we have Fido and they want money for him" The same goes for putting your details on missing posters, it's much better to put the number of a third party like the missing pets bureau or DogsLost.
DogsLost reunite 60% of pets with their owners and the missing pets bureau has a success rate of up to 80%
People ring us saying they have lost their best friend, I think most pet owners consider them to be part of the family
Useful phone numbers, UK
Missing pets bureau 08000195123, www.missingpetsbureau.com
DogLost 01909733366, www.doglost.co.uk
WOW I have arm ache
u know yesterday I went to the shop and because my boyfriend was away I had Smudger on my own, I debated as to whether or not to tie him up outside and I did. I tied him right at the front door so I could see him when I was inside, and I made sure he was tied real tight so it would take a good few minutes to get him untied. But after reading this I will NEVER EVER do this again.
The funny thing is I bought the magazine containing this article while I was at the shop, it could have been a different story. I could have been posting here saying SMudger had been taken.
Hope this is useful info for someone