This morning while I ate breakfast and watched Today with my mom, they covered a story about the rise in dog-nappings. And they weren’t talking about dogs taking more naps, but dogs being kidnapped.
Not for the Reasons I Expected
Because they were showing purebred dogs I figured that dog snatchers were focusing on taking dogs that they hoped to get a ransom for. Not so. (Although some do take the dog, wait for a reward to be offered, and then say they’ve found it to claim the reward.)
But they also had other reasons for nabbing dogs, such as:
• To sell on the black market where they command a huge profit.
• To fulfill an “order” for a fried who wants a particular kind of dog.
• For themselves.
The Breeds Most Commonly Snatched
Not surprisingly it was the smaller breed dogs that are most often targeted by dog-nappers. For one thing, many breeds can now command upwards of $2,500 a piece. For another, they’re easier to handle and run away with.
The ones they identified as being the most popular dog-napped dogs were Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers, and Maltese.
Two Types of Thefts
Another thing I found interesting was how the thieves go about stealing the dogs.
(1) From pet stores or breeders: They’ll set up appointments, ask to look at a dog, then smuggle it out in a jacket or otherwise.
(2) From an individual: They had a police lieutenant on the show who explained most dogs are taken from backyards, cars, or when they’re tied up in front of stores.
Protecting Your Dog from Dog-Nappers
The lieutenant and the American Kennel Club spokesperson had some good suggestions for keeping your dog out of a dog-napper’s reach, including:
• Never leave your dog unattended in your vehicle.
• Never leave your dog alone in the backyard for extended periods while you’re away at work or running errands. Or, if you do, make sure the gate is locked.
• Never leave your dog tied up outside a restaurant or shop unattended.
• Make sure to have ID on your dog at all times. Since collars can be easily removed, they suggested microchipping your dog.
• Register your dog with a pet recovery service, like HomeAgain.com.
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