- Purebred dogs tend to be the victims of pet theft the most. Their lineage has a street value that the dog walker can easily and inexpensively sell for thousands of dollars. Purebred dogs that have been stolen are typically offered for half as much as dogs from reputable breeders, including toys, puppies, and designer breeds like Labradoodles.
- It is possible to purchase pets and ship them to puppy mills for breeding (this is why it is essential to have your pet spayed or neutered).
- Animals can be stolen by thieves who then wait for a substantial reward to be posted before collecting the cash from inadvertently kind guardians.
- The use of stolen animals as “bait dogs to train fighting dogs” is possible. German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and American Pit Bull Terriers are the most prevalent breeds of these animals.
- For scientific and veterinary facilities that use dogs and cats for testing and biomedical experimentation, some persons sell stolen and misplaced animals. Class B dealers are a common name for these organizations. They are animal brokers who buy their pets from flea markets, newspaper ads, and other sketchy places.
Why do dogs continue to be stolen?
There are several causes for the rise in dog theft in the UK. The primary problems include the high prices associated with so-called designer canines, a lack of awareness of the dangers, and low prison sentences for those found guilty of the crime, aside from a spike in demand since lockdown. The highest penalty for stealing a dog is currently seven years in prison, but fines and community service are more frequent punishments; less than 2% of instances result in a conviction.
- Resale. Some purchasers don’t research the backgrounds of the pets they intend to acquire, which makes it simpler for stolen canines to be sold for a profit.
- Breeding. More prestigious dogs will be in danger as a result. The government is currently cracking down on puppy mills (or farms). These involve the keeping of animals in unsanitary and crowded settings, which frequently result in health problems later on.
How frequently do dogs get stolen?
In the US, two million pets are stolen each year. Every year, one-third of all dogs and cats in the US go missing. More than 80% of lost pets never come back. Every year, between 9.4 and 9.6 million pets are put to death in U.S. shelters.
Type of Breed
Purebred dogs are the most frequent targets of theft since their pedigree can be extremely expensive. A thief can easily make some money without suffering any serious repercussions with minimal effort. Most often, pups, toy breeds, or highly sought-after designer dogs are the canines that are stolen. The dognapper may typically sell the dog for half of what a professional breeder would charge and still profit handsomely.
Selling to Puppy Mills
Even though it makes me sick to think about it, individuals often steal dogs because they want to make a quick cash. Many thieves decide to sell the dogs to puppy farms, where they will be used for breeding. Another justification for why it’s crucial to have your dog spayed or neutered is this.
Dog Fighting
Having your dog hauled away to be trained as a combat dog or used as bait is an even worse fate. German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Pit Bull Terriers are the most popular breeds for this. Although you probably didn’t consider it, the breed you choose does play a role in your likelihood of becoming a victim of dog theft.
What type of dog is most frequently stolen?
It might surprise you to learn that the Yorkshire Terrier was developed as an exterminator in the 17th century given its diminutive size and innocent appearance. This breed, which is used to hunt rats and badgers, has exceptional hearing and scent abilities.
In the Victorian era, this breed became nothing less than royalty and frequently wore costly robes and haircuts because of its distinctive coloring and outgoing demeanor. The Yorkie has established itself as one of the most popular breeds in existence today, known for its unexpected aggressiveness and owner loyalty.
Yorkies, the sixth most popular breed in the country, are admired for their diminutive stature, vivacious nature, and portability. These puppies can cost you anywhere between $1000 and $3000 from a reputable breeder, though price varies by size and gender.
Yorkie owners are often devoted and connected to their pets, and it can be challenging to move on after a kidnapping. However, the likelihood of loss can be significantly decreased with attentive supervision, microchipping, and registration.
How can I keep my dog safe from robbers?
Owners are responsible for keeping their homes and other assets secure. To make garden spaces more private, think about planting raised hedges, and choose to let your dog play in the back garden rather than the front.
5. Never chain your dog in front of a store.
Additionally, the Kennel Club recommends that people take safety measures like “not leaving their dog tied up outside a shop or other public place, keeping their dog under proper control and making sure they can see their dog when out and about on walks, as well as making sure their dog is properly trained and will return to them when called.”
6. Never leave your dog in a car by themselves
We should think of our dogs the same way we would avoid leaving anything of value on show in our cars. In addition, leaving dogs in vehicles is not a good idea for their health, particularly on warm days.
7. Test your recollection skills and/or expand your lead.
If your dog runs off during a walk and you can’t see them, teach them to come back whenever and wherever you call them. When walking, use an extended lead until their recall is adequate.
8. Disclose any questionable behavior
“If dog owners see any questionable actions, they should report this to the authorities,” said a representative for the Kennel Club.
9. Avoid the usual
It could be a good idea to use other routes when walking your dog if you’ve heard that there have been more dog thefts in your neighborhood. This is done to stop potential thieves from finding out when and where your dog might be.
10. Take a buddy for a walk
If you’re worried, team up with a friend and walk your dogs together so there’s safety in numbers. Right now, you have to abide by the limits imposed by the lockdown.
11. Avoid using locations in social media posts.
We all enjoy posting images of our pets on social media, but doing so may reveal your location and your dog’s daily routine to would-be burglars.
12. If your dog is pregnant…
Because they won’t be microchipped, have no pet ID, and can sell for more money when resold, puppies are more alluring to thieves. Be especially cautious.
If your dog is purebred, 13.
If your dog is a pedigree, you should take extra precautions because they are the most sought-after.
How do canine burglars mark homes?
Animal wardens have cautioned that dognappers are using colored elastic bands as covert markings to target homes with pedigrees inside.
According to reports, the burglars are spray-painting the wheelie bins and gateposts of homes where popular breeds are being housed.
Residents have been urged to exercise caution by the Public Protection Partnership (PPP), which handles animal welfare matters in Bracknell Forest, Wokingham Borough, and West Berkshire.
The Reading Chronicle claims that the markings have already been seen on a number of homes in South Oxfordshire.
It follows claims of a unique UV paint, allegedly employed for a similar purpose, being discovered on buildings in Leicester.
What causes German shepherd theft?
According to the AKC, the German shepherd is the second most common dog breed. In actuality, it has held that second spot for the last 11 years and has consistently ranked in the top ten. Long-term popularity has the drawback that it increases the likelihood of being stolen. German shepherds are known for being fiercely devoted to their owners and their homes. They tend to be wary around strangers, which is why, in Hunter’s opinion, they are generally taken as puppies. Are you able to pair the American President with their dog?
What breed of canine is employed as a bait dog?
When Michael Vick, a former quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, was found guilty in 2007 on federal charges linked to dogfighting, this heinous black market blood sport was brought into the public eye. Vick’s indictment exposed the disgusting mistreatment of dogs, who are urged to tear each other to pieces in a fight to the death while onlookers celebrate and bet on a victor “winner. On Vick’s compound, canines were kept confined and chained to buried car axles when they weren’t being forced to fight. They were electrocuted, hanged, beaten, drowned, shot, smashed on the ground, or killed in some other heinous way when they were no longer useful to the organizers of the fight.
Experts estimate that tens of thousands of individuals engage in professional dogfighting, and that hundreds of thousands may also engage in so-called “doggy bagging.” Vick’s case is only one of many “informal dogfights, often known as streetfights. Dogfighting participation is now regarded as a felony offense in all 50 states.
Forced to Fight and Left to Die
The most popular breeds of canines used in combat are typically referred to as “American pit bull terriers, American bulldogs, American Staffordshire terriers, and Staffordshire terriers are all types of pit bulls. The majority of dogs used for fighting are taunted and starved in order to elicit strong survival instincts and encourage aggression. They are typically confined or chained (sometimes with heavy logging chains).
Some dogfighters train their dogs by making them run on treadmills while being hung in front of a caged rabbit, cat, chicken, or other fearful animal, or by making them hold onto a chain that is baited with meat. Numerous canines are given steroids injections, and some dogfighters even sharpen their dogs’ teeth, amputate their dogs’ ears (to stop another dog from latching on), and poison their food with roaches to make their hair taste unpleasant to other dogs.
pets that “win fights are made to fight again and are then used to produce puppies for sale. One dog that was said to be an especially good fighter brought in $100,000 in stud fees in a single year. Female canines are restrained by straps “Males rape women while impregnating them to stop them from fighting. The majority of canines that don’t fight or lose battles are used as “snare animals
What Happens at Dogfights
The “The pit where these gory occurrences typically occur is encircled by a wooden fence that is roughly 3 feet high and has a dirt or carpeted floor approximately 8 to 16 square feet. Dogs are brought to the ring’s ends and released there “the order to confront your dog. The dogs grip down so tightly that it is normal for dogs to bite during the process of prying them apart with sticks “fang oneself (i.e., bite through their own lips). The fight might last for hours until both dogs are fatigued and at least one is critically hurt or dead. Dogs are urged to fight to the death.
One of the 18 dogs seized during a raid had 70 open wounds, was missing half of its jaw, and had its body covered in scar tissue to a 75 percent extent, according to a federal prosecutor. An investigator for the Louisiana State Police who looks into dogfighting said, “You can visit the scene of these bouts to find a pit filled with blood or a couple of dog corpses.
The Tip of a Criminal Iceberg
Dogfighting is frequently connected to other crimes, such as illegal gambling, drug use, and murder, much like other animal cruelty is. Three burglars broke into a well-known pit-bull breeder’s Texas home, chained his wife and kids, and murdered him for the $100,000 he had won in a fight. One such notorious breeder installed “directional mines on his property in an effort to deter visitors; one of these devices exploded, injuring a land surveyor.
The New York Daily News was informed by a detective that “Dog rings are more effective in removing weapons and drugs from the street than drug networks are. According to a sheriff in Ohio “We’ve discovered drugs in almost every dogfighting search warrant we’ve conducted.
There are occasionally little children present at dogfights. The health department of Baltimore warns parents on its website that dogfighting is a child welfare issue “Children are exposed to severe cruelty displays, illegal gambling, drugs, and firearms used in conjunction with these heinous activities.
What You Can Do
- If you believe that dogfighting is taking place in your neighborhood, get in touch with the appropriate law enforcement agency.
- By advocating for a ban on chaining in your city, you can aid in the prevention of dogfighting since dogfighters frequently keep their dogs tethered.
Is there a spike in pet theft?
According to experts, this particularly horrible crime may be on the rise as a result of the increased demand for pets brought on by the epidemic and the subsequent scarcity of purebred canines. It’s also possible that the recent two-year increase in violent crime is to blame.
Consider these cases, just in the past month:
- Six 2-week-old Husky puppies were stolen from a pet grooming facility in Virginia by a man who broke in. He was detained by police after the event was captured on film. The remaining three puppies, which were too little to live on their own, were not found. Only three of the puppies were brought back. He had sold a purebred Husky puppy for just $100 when they normally go for $1,200.
- A woman and her French bulldog, Georgie, were enjoying a drink at a Fort Lauderdale bar. Even though the dog was unrestrained, she maintained a careful check on him. She observed a woman in a black hoodie open the door from a nearby restaurant, seize Georgie, and go. The thief was apprehended while walking the dog thanks to a tip she received from someone commenting to her Facebook post.
- Just since the beginning of this year, a number of dognappings, some at gunpoint, have been reported in the San Francisco area.
These cases demonstrate that dogs who are at risk don’t just include puppies who get loose or dogs who are chained up in front of shops. Brazen thieves are using violence or break-ins to steal dogs from their guardians. One instance involved thieves acting as animal control agents and driving around in a truck to capture dogs.
