Beware of “dognapping”! While you’re reading this, another dog is being stolen somewhere in our beloved country. Thieves just can’t keep their paws off pooches – especially high-risk dogs like Pitbulls, Boerboels, Boxers, Bull terriers, Rottweilers and purebred puppies.
“It is very concerning there has been a huge increase of these incidents being reported to us especially people coming home to locked gates with no dogs,” says Cape Of Good Hope SPCA Spokesperson, Belinda Abraham. Criminals are “dognapping” furry friends for financial gain and blood sports like dogfighting. Purebred puppies are being sold for up to R60,000 and Pitbulls are being trained to be bloodthirsty monsters. Criminals aren’t only taking pets away from their beloved humans, but also contributing to animal abuse and engaging in illegal activities.
In a recent case, a group of men in a white “bakkie” stole a Rottweiler puppy in the Lansdowne/ Rondebosch area in Cape Town. Fortunately, the pup was microchipped, which made it easy to find. The dog was returned to its rightful owners after being found at the home of a drug dealer in Delft.
Capetonians are being cautioned to get their dogs chipped so that they can be traced, and ownership can be confirmed if stolen. Getting a microchip for your furry friend costs between R100 and R300 – a small price to pay to ensure your bestie’s safety.
“Having your dog stolen is a terrible experience for both owner and pet. It is important to prevent this. It is hard to recover a stolen pet if you have no idea where the person that took it is,” says Garden Route SPCA Senior Inspector, Salomé Bruyns.
If your dog accidentally slips out the gate or lands in the hands of a stranger with long fingers, it’s important to be proactive and persistent.
Keep our precious pooches safe and always be on the lookout for dog theft in your area. Follow the above prevention guidelines and enjoy endless adventures with your four-legged friend. Let’s stick together and stop criminals from stealing animals from their rights (and homes)!
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