Terrifyingly, pet theft is increasing every year. How can we keep our best friends safer? PetDatabase.com works closely with the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance (SAMPA) and DogLost and they can give us some very valuable advice.
First, it’s worth trying to get inside the mind of these despicable thieves. As a species they will be lazy and cowardly, so try to do everything possible to put them off.
Shop thieves
Don’t ever leave your dog tied up outside a shop. It sounds obvious, but some supermarkets have recently invested in designated areas where you are encouraged to do just that! Many owners, especially the elderly, just have no idea that pet theft is a thing. Consider your pet like a small child – no one would leave a human family member tied up outside would they!
Car park criminals
Don’t leave your dog in the car, even briefly. Debbie Matthews, founder of SAMPA, had her car window smashed and her two dogs snatched in a busy supermarket car park. Some dogs have even been stolen when the thieves have taken the car as well.
Not in my backyard
Statistically, according to DogLost, the most dangerous place for a dog to be alone is in your own back garden. There are so many people delivering to homes these days that it just takes one rogue driver to start collecting, too. And having a van, it’s an easy and quick getaway. Plus, even those devoid of evil intent can still leave your gate open. Consider installing a big external post box so fewer people have reason to come inside. Security cameras may also deter crooks. Those doorbell cameras can also be useful in making thieves self-conscious enough to give your property a miss. Many working dogs are stolen from kennel’s, CCTV, extensive security and alarms are suggested to prevent thefts.
Organised pet crime
Other thefts are more organised and professional. Just like expensive cars are sometimes stolen to order, so sadly are dogs. If you have a young looking, popular type of dog be especially careful. Organised gangs will target potential breeding prospects and will take greater risks if they perceive there to be substantial profits to be made. County lines networks of youths have been implicated and said to be scouting for pets while out selling drugs. There are also opportunist thieves who will take advantage of a lost dog or just pick your dog up over a fence or through a bush.
Many years a breeding slave
Some stolen dogs only reappear in old age, presumably discarded when they are either too old or too ill to be a breeding slave. Their microchip finally bringing them home if they are lucky to be scanned by a dog warden or a vet. Experts who investigate these crimes report the gangs tend to corral stolen dogs in campsites while they are assessed – if likely to be fertile, they are moved on to huge puppy farms in remote areas, or else they will quickly be sold online or sometimes held to ransom if the owner has advertised a substantial reward.
Don’t fund pet theft
One way we can reduce these crimes in the future is for the public to more closely check the provenance of puppies and dogs bought online. Buying puppy farmed dogs fuels pet theft. The Kept Animals Bill is close to becoming law and at last that will make pet theft a specific offence with up to five years in jail.
Walk away from pet theft danger
- Consider meeting up with other dog walkers – it’s true what they say about safety in numbers.
- If you do decide to walk alone, plan your route carefully and whenever possible let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back.
- Avoid using the same route and going at the same time every day.
- Whilst it might be nice to feel like you have the place all to yourselves, it is always safer to stick to busy routes and busy times when there are plenty of other walkers about. If you are walking in a park, try to stay in open areas where you can see around you and be seen by other walkers.
- If you’re walking around the streets, ensure you walk towards oncoming traffic to avoid kerb crawlers.
- Avoid wearing headphones or chatting on your mobile phone when you are walking, as they prevent you from hearing danger approaching. You need to always stay alert to your surroundings because the sooner you become aware of potential danger the easier it will be to avoid it.
- Think about carrying a personal alarm with you, which can be used to disorientate and shock an attacker. Make sure you have your dog on lead as the noise will upset them, too.
- Always act on your instincts – if something looks or feels wrong it probably is, so don’t wait for your fears to be confirmed. This can also apply to your dog. If they uncharacteristically start growling or have their hackles up, they could be sensing danger so act and remove yourself from the situation.
- If you think you are being followed, trust your instincts, and act. As confidently as you can, change direction, cross the road, turning to see who is behind you. If you are still being followed, keep moving. Head to a busy area and tell people what is happening. If necessary, call the police.
- Download the what3words app. They have divided the world into 3 metre squares and gave each square a unique combination of three words. It’s the easiest way to find and share exact locations, especially in emergency situations.
- The RSPCA, has issued a warning to dog owners after two men posed as charity workers to confiscate a dog in Dorset. The charity says RSPCA officers will always be wearing uniforms bearing the charity’s logo and will always carry identification. Don’t hand your dog over to anyone!
- Store your pet as a contact on your phone – have the microchip number and database contact details in a safe place for emergencies, with recent photos including distinctive markings.
If your dog is stolen:
- After a physical attack call 999
- If you believe your dog has been stolen call Police on 101 – ask for a Crime Reference Number.
- Contact your microchip database to mark your dog’s chip as stolen. (Those with PetDatabase.com we get safety pings if anyone input’s their dog’s chip,)
- Contact the local animal warden and report as missing.
- Inform DogLost.co.uk
- Get on social media to try to make your pet is too hot to handle.
Thank you to DogLost and the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance for help with this article.
Be #DogTheftAware
#PetTheftReform #FernsLaw
