[News] RSCPA Recommends Microchip to Foil Dog Thieves
 

ANIMAL lovers were today urged to take advantage of high-tech protection in the fight against dog-napping.

The RSPCA say it is vital that owners have their canine companions microchipped, a measure which would help reunite them with their loved one if their dog was stolen.

The call to arms was made as a second distraught dog owner turned to the Yorkshire Evening Post for help, fearing her beloved Yorkshire Terrier had been stolen.

Heather Holmes, spokeswoman for the RSCPA in the north, said: "If your find your pet has been stolen and then dumped by the thief, having your pet microchipped represents the best chance of you bring reunited with your animal.

"We receive a lot of calls from people who fear their dogs have been stolen, a minority of which prove to be true.

"Microchipping involves dogs having the chip – the size of a grain of rice – placed in the scruff of its neck.

"It means that if your dog has its collar removed before being dumped it can still be traced to you through the national database. £20 is a small price to pay for peace of mind."

Mrs Holmes said it was important dog owners reduced the risk of their pet becoming a target for would-be thieves.

"Make sure your garden is safe and secure. And in the unlikely event that you feel your dog is a target then vary the pattern of your walks."

Mrs Holmes added that the RSPCA received a lot of calls from people believing their dog has been stolen, although a "minority" proved to be the case.

Heartbroken

Linda Watson is the latest heartbroken dog owner to contact the Yorkshire Evening Post after her Yorkshire Terrier Cassie was taken last month.

The 10-year-old was taken from outside Mrs Watson's block of flats on the Spring Valley estate in Bramley, Leeds.

Mrs Watson, 56, said Cassie, disappeared as she took two of her other five Yorkshire Terriers inside, having been to the toilet.

"It all happened too quickly for her to have run off," said Mrs Watson. "She has a really lovable temperament.

"I am struggling to come to terms with what has happened. I don't know how I have managed to get from one day to the next."

A mystery benefactor is offering a "substantial" reward for the return of Cassie, who is microchipped.

"I just want her home," added Mrs Watson

Earlier this month the YEP reported on how Janet Pidcock had taken out an advert in the newspaper in a last-ditch effort to be reunited with her stolen King Charles spaniels.

The mother-of-three was left heartbroken after her two dogs, Tammy and Buster, were snatched from the front garden of her home in Rothwell, Leeds. The theft had been extra devastating as three-year-old Tammy was pregnant.

http://www.leedstoday.net/ViewArticl...icleID=1387683

you know, i wish vets would make it a point to scan dogs under their care for a microchip as well, not just shelters. that would further discourage would-be dog nappers.

Yeah, it would be a good policy for vets to scan each pet for a microchip before performing any services.

Tucker is getting microchipped when he gets his stitches out. It makes me nervous that he isn't. He hasn't run away in a long time, but it would be just my luck. I had a dog that disappeared never to be heard from again. It is awful!

As of tomorrow it is the LAW to have them microchiped here in El Paso TX or else it is a fine of 2,000.

Seceral of mine are microchipped and the rest will be done soon.
I think this is a very good idea as you have a much better chance to get your dog back by this being done to them.