Someone Stole My Dog What Can I Do
As a domestic dog parent, one of my worst nightmares is dognapping. Every bit a result, I'm pretty obsessive almost the condom of my own dogs, and I ever worry nigh domestic dog theft when I see dogs tied to bike racks and lampposts outside of coffee shops, grocery stores and other spots around New York City.
So, what is dognapping? Why does it happen and are certain breeds or types of dogs targeted? How do you lot prevent information technology in the start identify? What practise you lot do if it happens to you lot?
Dognapping — the stats
An estimated ii million pets are stolen every year in the United States. The American Kennel Gild, which tracks instances of dog theft from their National Pet Theft Database, institute a 31% increment in dognappings in recent years, with newly stolen dogs reported daily from communities across the country.
Why practice dognappings happen?
Dognappings happen for many reasons and dogs may modify hands multiple times after being stolen, which makes them even harder to locate. Thieves ofttimes steal dogs hoping to make coin off of them. This might exist someone looking to collect a reward, or something fifty-fifty more sinister.
Intact dogs (canines that aren't spayed or neutered) may exist sold to puppy mills or backyard breeders, small dogs or dogs of popular, expensive breeds might be taken and resold, or dogs may exist sold to domestic dog fighting rings either equally fighters or bait dogs.
According to Pet FBI, some of the meridian small dogs targeted for greenbacks include purebred Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Maltese and Chihuahuas, while Pit Bulls, Boston Terriers, German Shepherd Dogs and Boxers fall victim to theft for dogfighting rings. In NYC, there has been a ascension of dognappings of small dogs in return for cash.
How practise you lot proceed your dog safe from dognappers?
1. Never leave your dog unattended in public places or in your yard
Unattended dogs are easy targets for dognappers. If y'all are running errands that aren't dog friendly, leave your dog at dwelling.
2. Be proactive most dognapping
Hopefully your dog never goes missing, but you'll demand to prove he belongs to y'all if he does. Microchip your dog, and ensure that your contact information is upwards to date with your microchip company. Thieves could remove a collar and tags, but microchips are permanent forms of identification for your domestic dog. Some dog guardians even use the advanced technology of Dog DNA tests to bear witness the identity of their dogs.
3. Hire professionals when it comes to pet-intendance providers
In recent years, in that location have been several high-profile cases of dogs going missing while in the care of dog sitters — and never being seen over again. Only hire responsible, insured and trusted pet-care providers and always check references before hiring a walker, daycare or sitter.
4. Use caution with overly curious strangers
Be very guarded with your dog's information. Sometimes, dognappers will try to determine how much a dog is worth, and if they're spayed or neutered earlier taking them. Deflect detailed questions from strangers — specially well-nigh how much your dog toll.
What to practice if someone steals your dog:
ane. Become assist
Immediately telephone call the law and your local animal control department. File a police study.
2. Talk to anybody
Attempt to detect any witnesses who might have seen the dognapping occur. This will assist you and the constabulary get information well-nigh who has or had your dog. Distribute current, clear photos of your dog right away.
3. Inquiry and employ every available resource
Search out local lost and found groups online and on Facebook.
Other helpful sites include:
- akcreunite.org
- aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/aspca-mobile-app
- homeagain.com
- petfbi.org
four. Contact the media
Social media sites like Facebook are instrumental in spreading the give-and-take nigh lost or stolen dogs. Don't forget to contact your local media — newspapers, TV and radio — to try to increase coverage of your dog'south disappearance.
five. Protect yourself, too
People whose dogs are missing are vulnerable to being taken advantage of even further. I can't even imagine how desperate I would be if something happened to one of my dogs — I would want to practise everything and anything in my power to get them dorsum.
The Better Business organization Agency warns pet owners to lookout man out for scam artists who need reward money before they return the missing dog.
For case, someone calling to say they are a long-haul truck driver who constitute your dog out of state and requesting money to get your dog back to your state, or someone saying they need coin for airline tickets and a crate to send your lost dog back.
Thumbnail: Photography ©gaikphotos | Thinkstock.
Read more about dog prophylactic on Dogster.com:
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- 6 Household Cleaning Products That Are Not Safe for Dogs
- When Should You Call an Emergency Vet and How Do Yous Observe One?
Sassafras Lowrey is an award-winning writer. Her novels have been honored by organizations ranging from the Lambda Literary Foundation to the American Library Association. Sassafras is a Certified Trick Dog Trainer, and assists with dog agility classes. Sassafras lives and writes in Brooklyn with her partner, a senior Chihuahua mix, a rescued Shepherd mix and a Newfoundland puppy, forth with two bossy cats and a semi-feral kitten. Learn more at sassafraslowrey.com .
Source: https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dognapping-protect-your-dog-and-get-him-back
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