It is a sad fact that dog theft in on the increase, and we should all be aware that the Stafford is amongst those most frequently stolen. It is estimated that approximately 2000 Staffords pass through Battersea Dogs Home and Welfare annually, how many of these have been stolen or escaped accidentally?

Listed below are sensible precautions that it is strongly recommended you follow to help minimise the opportunity of theft occurring.

Ensure that your dog is wearing a collar with an identification tag attached when it is out in public, this is a legal requirement.

It is strongly recommended that you ensure that you dog can be identified wherever it may turn up in the country. The Kennel Club can advise on how to get DNA profiling done. Alternatively there is microchipping or tattoing and your own vet can tell you where you can get this done locally to you.

Do you have an up to date photograph of your dog(s), this will help will identification should your dog be stolen.

Make sure that your property is securely fenced, and should you have a back garden gate onto an alleyway, make sure it is locked. You have a legal responsibility under the Dangerous Dogs Act to ensure your dog does not stray and cause a nuisance. Remember that most thieves are opportunists.

1. Do not leave your dog unattended in the garden.

2. Never leave your dog tied up outside a shop, even if it is only for a moment.

3. Do not leave your dog in the car, it has been known for dogs to be taken from locked cars.

4. Be very careful where you let your dog off the lead.

5. Be aware at all times.

IF YOUR STAFFORD HAS BEEN STOLEN

THE STAFFORDSHIE BULL TERRIER BREED COUNCIL OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND NOW HAS A DIRECT LINK THROUGH TO THE WEBSITE WWW.DOGLOST.CO.UK WHO PROVIDE A VERY COMPREHENSIVE AND FREE SERVICE AND OFFER EXCELLENT ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS BEEN STOLEN.

THEY HAVE A DATABASE WHICH IS CIRCULATED VIA EMAIL WITH DETAILS OF ALL DOGS LOGGED. HOWEVER LISTED BELOW ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS, PLEASE REMEMBER:-

YOU MUST ACT FAST

THE MORE PUBLICITY YOU CAN ATTRACT THE BETTER, THIS MAKES IT HARDER FOR SOMEBODY TO KEEP THE DOG

A REWARD CAN BE A VERY GOOD IDEA

IF YOUR BELIEVE YOUR DOG HAS BEEN STOLEN WE SUGGEST YOUR GET A CRIME NUMBER FROM THE POLICE SO YOUR LOSS IS LODGED ON THEIR COMPUTER, AND REMEMBER THAT DOGS COME UNDER THE SALE OF GOODS ACT AND ARE THEREFORE A CHATTEL OR ‘GOOD’ WHICH MAKES THE THEFT OF A DOG EQUAL TO HAVING YOUR CAR, WALLET , WATCH ETC. STOLEN.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL PAPER/ RADIO/TV

CONTACT POLICE/DOG WARDENS/KENNELS/VETS/SHELTERS DAILY AND GO OUT OF YOUR IMMEDIATE AREA, MANY AREAS ARE COVERED BY TWO COUNCILS FOR EXAMPLE AND DOGS COULD BE TRANSPORTED MILES AWAY.

HIT THE AREA WITH POSTERS, DOG WALKING AREAS, POLICE STATIONS, SUPERMARKETS, TRAFFIC JUNCTIONS, PUBS AND IN FACT ANY PUBLIC PLACES. (INCLUDE A PHOTO), THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT AS MOST PEOPLE WILL HAVE NO IDEA, FOR EXAMPLE, WHAT A RED STAFFORD WILL LOOK LIKE.

MAKE AS MUCH FUSS/PUBLICITY AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN, WHOEVER HAS YOUR DOG NEEDS TO FIND IT IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP IT.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DOG TRAINING CLUBS IN YOUR AREA

IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR DOG HAS BEEN STOLEN AND FIND THE POLICE LESS THAN HELPFUL, YOU CAN ALWAYS WRITE TO YOUR MP, C/O THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, LONDON SW1 0AA. SO MANY DOGS ARE STOLEN THESE DAYS THAT IT MIGHT HELP OTHERS IF THE SCALE OF THE PROLEM IS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE AUTHORITIES

MOST OF ALL DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE
Top