Canine kidnappers

[Smudgers_mum]

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

[Jaspermom]

Good article! I am happy to hear you wouldn't tie Smudger outside a shop ever again!!

[RRRJeep861]

I understand completely about the fear of someone taking my Jack. When I go away, if noone is remaining in the car with Jack , he doesn't get to go. I know it only takes about 60 seconds to knock out a window and remove a dog. I live in a mid. size town and I was parked at Office Max in front of big glass windows, in the middle of the day and all the cashier's and any customers checking out could clearly see my Jeep. Someone knocked out my window and stole my radar detector off the dash. Noone saw a thing. I will never leave Jack in my car alone after that experience.

[LuvMySissy]

There was a news blurb this morning on our local news about dogs being snatched out of cars as well. I don't think it is safe to leave them anywhere alone....

[Smudgers_mum]

Originally Posted by RRRJeep861

I will never leave Jack in my car alone after that experience.

If I go anywhere with Smudger though in the car I can't lock the door with him in the car as the alarm will go off, so I have to run in quickly and leave the doors unlocked. I know it's highly unlikely that someone would randomly check my car door in a road full of cars, but I suppose there's always a chance.

Must stop doing this as well

[YORKIE7]

I was so afraid of my babies being dog knapped,although they are with me 24/7,you hear so much of it latley.I joined the missing pets bureau for £99.(per dog). It is a fantastic organisation because for that £99 my babies are members for life, they sent me DNA kits, which i used and sent back to them so their DNA is on record.They also advertise on the internet, supply and put up posters and ring all the animal shelters an police in uk,in the event of your baby being stolen.I think they also offer rewards for the safe return of your dog.I highly reccomend them,its money very well spent! Also ive heard that dogs shouldnt have your telephone number or address on their name tags,as apparently the thiefs could then start ringing you asking for ransom money.With Missing pets bureau,you get a little tag,with MSP on the front with emergency telephone number and your dogs personal ID number on the back.Therefore if someone finds your baby they ring MPB and quote the ID number.I think its quite a good way! thanks for the post,sorry for me rambling on! i'll go before i bore you to tears! lol

[Duckman]

Unfortunately in this day and time, there are some people out there who would not think twice about snatching someone's pet. Either for money to buy drugs or to use them as bait for training animals to fight.

As guardians of our pets, we must be aware of our surroundings and always keep our pets as secure as we can...

[GeorgiesMomma]

Call me paranoid but I wouldn't leave Georgie alone tied outside or in the car. I live in between 2 major cities and would be very nervous to do either. I think if the dogs can't come in either we don't go or we leave them home and run to the store. It's a dangerous world out there and we need to protect or babies.

[MyTrixie143]

I have had my yorkies in the car for a short period of time. I was always afraid someone would break in and take them. So now I always take someone with me so that they can stay in the car with them or I take my big dog with me. She is an excellent guard dog and they would have to be crazy to try to break in and take my little one with her guarding the car. One look at her size and the size of those teeth would scare anyone off. It is sad though that people would steal a family's pet just to gain some money for themselves.

[Smudgers_mum]

Originally Posted by Duckman

Either for money to buy drugs or to use them as bait for training animals to fight.

Oh my god that is horrible

[ssmiles1980A]

thank you so much for sharing that