Lots of us are trying to make "ends meet" but what would you do to make a quick buck?  
Could you, for example, steal ?

 

Well , about 100 dogs are stolen every week in the UK.  Some stolen dogs are held for ransom  or sold to other unsuspecting families. Young bitches are taken to "puppy factories" where they're forced to produce litter after litter of puppies which are then sold. Perhaps the unluckiest are forced into illegal dog fights.    All leave devastated families behind them.

 

Sad to say,  you need to be on your guard at all times. The nice person clapping your dog in the street could really be unclipping their lead prior to making a fast getaway.  Or maybe someone's  watching your back yard for a chance to escape with your dog.  Anyone with a litter of puppies needs to be especially careful as the nice man who comes round to buy one may distract you and steal the entire litter.

 

When most people lose a dog they report it to the police and local pet rescue centres and put out posters. It's also a good idea to contact your insurer to see if they'll offer a reward.

 

Sometimes these simple steps work but we think it's better to reduce the chance of a theft in the first place!

 

• Never leave your dog alone outside a shop, in your yard or in your car, not even when you are watching from a distance.
• Never let children walk your dog unless supervised by an adult
• Never leave your dog alone with a stranger, not even in your own house.
• If you have are selling puppies take full contact details from perspective buyers, call them back on the number they've given you before giving them your address. Make a   note of their car registration and take photos of them with the dogs "for your puppy-scrap-book".   
  Keep this evidence safe in case you wake up next day to find your puppies gone.
• Unless you're going to breed from your dog have them neutered. This makes them worthless to most potential thieves.
• Have you pet micro-chipped and put an "I've been micro-chipped" tag onto their collar.

Sadly, it may not be possible to completely prevent this crime but by taking these simple steps you reduce the chances of theft, and increase your chances of a happy re-union if your dog is recovered by the police or taken to the vet by their new owner.. Quiraing Dog School now offers a microchipping service to all dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets. More info on our website.

 

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