Protect your dog against theft - key facts
According to the Missing Pets Bureau as many as 38 per cent of all animals reported lost have actually been stolen and as many as 60 per cent of these are tragically never recovered.
In spite of these startling figures, many dogs are still left tied up outside shops, or in unattended vehicles where they are easily stolen. Once stolen, a dog can be moved many miles in a short space of time so prevention is vital.
Whilst pedigree pets are at the greatest risk due to the cost of purchasing pedigree puppies, non-pedigree dogs can also be at risk as thieves either demand a ransom or wait for a reward to be offered.
“Having heard last week of somebody trying to snatch a dog from a disabled lady, I realise there is most certainly a use for this type of product and will recommend it. I like the combination padlock, much better than a key. It is very sad that such a thing should be needed at all.
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Keeping your dog safe
Think twice before leaving your dog tied up outside a shop. You will make them a vulnerable and tempting target for opportunist thieves if they are not tied securely with a locking device, such as Petloc™.
Don’t leave your dog alone in the car, even for a few minutes without a lockable device. Thieves can easily break into your car to steal your precious pet if it is not tethered securely to a part of the car (such as the hang rail or moulded door handle).
Make sure your dog is microchipped and that you keep your contact details up-to-date, especially if you move house or change your telephone number.
Pre-register your dog with DogLost.co.uk (UK's largest lost and found dog database).
Consider a dog tattoo - permanent and visible means of identifying your dog.
Your dog should always wear a collar and ID tag with your name and address on it. This is a legal requirement when your dog is in a public place. Avoid putting your dog’s name on the disc.
Take clear photographs of your dog from various angles, and update them regularly. Make a note of any distinguishing features.
Keep multiple photographs of yourself with your dog, to help you to prove ownership if needed. Train your dog to come back when called, and never let him off the lead if you are not sure he will come back to you.
Take care when choosing someone to care for your dog if you are going away from home or need a dog walker whilst you go to work. Use a reputable company or boarding kennels and check references for people who provide dog or house-sitting services.
At home, make sure your garden is secure and fit a bell to the gate so you hear if anyone opens it. Keep your dog in view if you leave them outside unsupervised unless they are somehow attached securely. For instance you could adapt a Petloc™ for use in the garden by clipping the handle end to a long chain or other secure extender.
If you breed puppies for sale, take great care when inviting people in to view; ideally have someone else present and limit the numbers of people you allow in at a time. Show the puppies in one secure area.
Decide who owns the dog in your household. Discuss who would own the dog in the event of bereavement or break up and draw up documentation to this effect. This may seem unnecessary, but pets can become the centre of ownership disputes in these circumstances.
If the worst happens and your dog is stolen it is important to act quickly:
Report the loss to your local council’s Dog Warden and those in all other neighbouring local authorities.
Visit places where dog walkers go such as local parks and public places and talk to people, asking them to keep an eye open for your dog.
If you believe your pet has been stolen, report it to the police and insist it is recorded as a theft and not a lost animal.
Report the loss/theft to the microchip database, this will ensure that if anyone tries to re-register the chip number, you will be informed.
Post details of your lost pet on as many missing dog websites as possible, (pettheft.co.uk, dogtheftaction.co.uk, doglost.co.uk). There is no single national missing animals database, so you will have to place the same information on all of them to ensure a widespread coverage.
Make posters and display them in areas local to your home and also in relevant places such as vets, local parks etc. The poster should include a clear photograph and details of the circumstances.
Make sure local vets are aware in case someone takes your dog in for treatment.
Contact local animal shelters and rescue charities and send them posters to display.
Losing a pet due to theft or other reasons is a traumatic event. Blue Cross operates the national Pet Bereavement Support Service which can be contacted on 0800 096 6606 (8.30am – 8.30pm) or by email: pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk