Dognapping and How to Prevent It
By HollywoodPet.net |
Fri, 8 Dec 2006
Every year many pets are stolen from their owners. It seems like an unlikely thing to happen, but statistics show it is an all too common crime.
With the rising cost of pure-breed puppies, dognapping is becoming more common. Many dogs are stolen and sold at bargain basement prices. Criminals don't care how much they profit by selling your pet, because it is all profit. A $1000 pure breed dog could quickly be sold for a mere $100 on the side of the road. We aren't at the point of having full time pet detectives at are disposal but there are many things you can do to make sure your pet is well-kept and safe.
Never leave your dog unattended
Never leave your dog tied up in your yard or at a place of business. Keep your pet in view when outside and limit the amount of time your pet is outside. Leaving your pet in a car with the window cracked is an easy way to have your pet stolen.
Step Up Security
Locking your front door as a habit is a good first step Installing a simple alarm on the gate to your yard will let you know if anyone unwanted enters your yard. A lock or hard to reach latch is another good approach.
Vary your Schedule
Take walks at different times and vary the time you let your pet romp in the yard. Predictability makes it easier to steal a pet. When taking walks, don't let your pet run ahead of you. It only takes a second to snatch a dog when it's out of your site.
Identification
Dog tags on a collar, tatoos and microchips all help in getting a stolen dog back. Good photographs from various angles are very helpful too. Unusual markings should be noted too.
Being Proactive
If your pet is stolen, have your pictures ready for making and putting up posters in your area. Dogs can go great distances in a short amount of time, so your posters will have to put up in an ever widening circle from where your pet disappeared. Going door to door in the neighborhood is a great way to get your pet back. Many times you can pick up on the direction your pet went. Put an ad in the local paper too with a picture. Animal shelters are worth visiting to find your dog. Don't give up. Dogs can reappear weeks and sometimes months later. Take heart and take action.
