The Facts About Stolen Dogs
Imagine: You are out with your dog for his daily walk. It's hot. You decide to stop at a market to buy a cool drink, so you tie your dog up outside while you go in. When you return, your dog is gone. Panic! Unfortunately, this all-too-common occurrence is on the rise, due to pet theft. Pet owners need to be aware of this rising problem, and with a few simple steps and knowledge of the problem, responsible owners can help make sure that it never happens to them or their beloved pet.
There are few numbers to show the actual amount of stolen dogs in the United States because, one - dogs are included as property crimes and included with other stolen items, and two - many times it is difficult to determine if the dog was lost, or actually stolen. Some studies have put the number as high as 2 million stolen dogs - a staggering number, and one that should set off alarm bells in pet owners everywhere. Other interesting statistics reveal that around four out of ten stolen animals are dogs, and roughly half of all lost dogs were unleashed when they disappeared.
The unknown is a terrible burden to bear when your dog is lost or stolen; even more so when you realize what the typical reasons are for stealing them:
- Ransom or rewards. Many dog thieves steal a dog, then either wait for a reward to be posted and return the dog, saying it was found. Other times, the dog is stolen and held hostage until the owner pays the ransom money. Unfortunately, these are the better outcomes, when it comes to stolen dogs.
- Dog fighting. Even if your dog is a sweet creature that wouldn't lift a paw against another animal, with the right 'training' i.e., abuse, even kind animals can be trained to fight. If not trained, they are occasionally used as practice animals for real fighting dogs to train to fight upon.
- Cult rituals. Many cults especially look for black, or dark colored animals around Halloween to use in sacrificial rituals.
- Many people believe that laboratories also buy stolen dogs to use as test subjects. Since the USDA does allow labs to buy dogs from independent vendors, many animal rights groups and animal welfare associations believe that some of these dogs are stolen animals, and that this is a rising underground problem.
- Angry neighbors. Sometimes, perturbed neighbors simply will steal your dog and take it to the pound. Be careful if you have received complaints from a bothersome neighbor!
As terrible and unnerving as these scenarios are, there are many precautions that pet owners can take to lessen the chances of your dog ending up lost or stolen, and in unfortunate circumstances.
- Be sure your yard or dog pen is secure. Fences should be checked frequently to make sure that there are no holes, or that your dog isn't digging a escape tunnel. Gates should be closed and locked at all times, and the fence should be high enough that the dog can't jump out.
- Never leave your dog tied up, unattended. If you must, do it in a place where you can keep him in your sight, or ask a policeman if they can keep watch. A thief can untie and lead your dog off in a matter of seconds.
- Your neighbors should be made aware of pet theft. If you are expecting people on your property when you aren't there, your neighbors should be told. Also, you should ask them to call you if they see anyone suspicious in your yard.
- Unless you are in the countryside, beach, or other wilderness, you should never let your dog run free, especially in the city. Your neighbors will appreciate it also.
- Never leave your dog alone in your car. In additions to being hot and stuffy, thieves can easily break in and nab Fido (not to mention any other items).
- Making sure that your dog has his ID and rabies tags is an absolute MUST. Your chances are almost non-existent of getting him back without them. Also, implanting a microchip is a great way to raise your chances as vets, shelters, and animal hospitals regularly scan dogs for these chips, and ID tags and collars can fall off, or be removed.
- Keeping recent, updated, and clear photos of your dog, especially of his unique characteristics is a good way to prove ownership and help others to identify your lost dog. Also, be sure to keep all your records and proof-of-ownership papers.
Keeping a clear head is essential to helping recover a lost dog. You can get your beloved companion back, but it also helps to be proactive to insure that he does not turn up lost in the first place. If your dog is lost, forming a strategy to get him back is important. Call all the vets, animal hospitals, and humane societies and shelters in your area, and provide them with photos. Call them every day to check in. Posting flyers and speaking with neighbors, police, crossing guards, and others who spend a good deal of time in your area.