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Keeping Your Pet Safe From Petnappers
Since the 1980's when pet theft by animal dealers was first exposed to the public, pet owners began to realize that pet theft was a very real, very frightening menace to pets. The precedent-setting case of federally licensed animal dealers in California who were convicted in 1991 of conspiracy and grand theft of dogs in their business of selling stolen dogs to research laboratories garnered national attention for the epidemic of pet theft.
Since then, animal advocates and others have lobbied for stricter regulations for animal dealers, better enforcement of regulations, and heavier punishments for those who engage in pet theft. While some progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in the fight against pet theft, and many animals continue to be stolen and sold to research laboratories, dog fighting rings or puppy mills.
But even in the absence of a pet theft ring, pet theft can occur anywhere at any time. The cost of purebred dogs has made them an attractive commodity for thieves. And sometimes pets are stolen simply for their covetous "animal appeal," which puts even mixed-breed pets at risk.
An Elkhorn, WI, man was sentenced to 20 months in prison in 2002 for stealing a boxer to "make a quick buck." A 14-year-old boy bought the dog for $100, but after his parents told him he couldn't keep it, he left it tied to a post in the hot summer sun without food or water. The dog died a horrible death.
A Kewaskum, WI, teenager stole two dogs from an animal shelter there in 2003 to replace his own dog that had died after being hit by a car. One of the dogs, a Boston Terrier, was the personal pet of the shelter manager. When the little dog appeared to be sick, the youth took the dog to a field and killed it.
One thing is clear: the fate of stolen pets is bleak. Preventing pet theft is the best way to protect your pet from such a terrifying outcome.
1. Make sure your pet has identification. Although no single form of pet identification is infallible--collars and tags may be lost or removed, tattoos may be difficult to see when hair grows over them, and microchips are not yet standardized to be recognized by all scanners--a combination of identification methods can be used to provide added security. All dogs and cats should have a collar and I.D. tags. This is the most visible form of identification that can aid in the quick return of your pet if it becomes lost. Since thieves will easily remove collars, a tattoo or microchip should also be used. Many research facilities will not purchase animals with microchips or tattoos!
2. Do not leave your pet unattended in view of the public. This includes leaving pets unattended in cars, tied up outside of stores, or left in a yard in view of a street or sidewalk.
3. Do not allow your pet to roam. Remember to spay and neuter your pet to decrease its desire to roam, and keep your pet confined to your property by keeping your pet tied, leashed, fenced or supervised while outdoors.
4. Prevent access to your pets. Keep gates locked on all outdoor enclosures and keep your pet indoors when you are not at home.
5. Keep recent photos and a detailed description of your pet on hand. Make note of any identifying markings, scars or other physical characteristics to keep with your pet records. After a pet is stolen, it might be difficult to remember which leg had an unusual spot or which ear had a recognizable scar.
6. Be aware of the threat. Help keep your neighborhood safe from pet thieves by being observant and reporting any suspicious persons.
Pet theft is a devastating way to lose a pet. The chance of recovering a stolen pet is slim and the outcome for the pet is less than favorable. This is why proactive measures to prevent pet theft are so important. Share these tips with your friends and neighbors. Together we can make it a safer world for our pets.
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Source: Janice Biniok
www.TheAnimalPen.com
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