Pets

Tips to help prevent dog theft

Dogs are the most commonly owned pet in UK households. With more and more households choosing to own a dog, the popularity of dogs has sadly led to a rise in dog theft. Fortunately, there are a number of preventative steps you can take to reduce the chances of your dog being stolen.

Stay Alert

It’s important to be aware of any suspicious behaviour. • This could be anyone approaching dog owners to ask them lots of questions about their dog • There are reports of thieves leaving chalk or spray paint markings in front of houses they intend to target. If you notice unusual markings, report them • Keep up to date with online local community groups. These can be particularly useful in identifying unusual behaviour in areas that could raise concern • Don’t hesitate to contact the police by calling 101 if you witness any suspicious behaviour.

Preventative Measures

Even the most basic of security steps can help to reduce the risk of your pet being stolen. • Avoid leaving your dog unattended outside in a public space or in your car • Secure your garden. If you do have a gate, fit a lock • Try not to leave your dog unsupervised in the garden • Installing security cameras can act as a deterrent.

If dog thefts are common in your area, this may be something to consider.

Protecting Your Dog From Dog Theft

Ensure that your dog is microchipped. All puppies must be microchipped by 8 weeks of age by law, and definitely before they leave their breeder • Avoid putting your dog’s name on their ID tag • Take plenty of photos of your dog • Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and has an accurate ID tag • Keep your contact details updated, if you change your phone number or move house, be sure to update the information on your dog’s ID tag • Recall training is particularly important. Spend time practicing this and if it’s safer, keep your dog on a lead.

What should I do if my dog goes missing?

In the unfortunate event that your dog does go missing, you should report this immediately. Below is a checklist of who you should inform as soon as possible; • The Police via 101 • Your neighbours • Local community online pages • Your local council • Your vet and other local practices • Local animal rescue centres • The database with which your dog’s microchip is registered. Contact your local practice for further information.

Vintage Rambles with rafa and Flake

This walk originally featured in the magazines back in May 2014. Thank you to Terry from Alfreton Ramblers Club, who submitted the original. We have changed the shorter route slightly to make use of a nice path up to the Manor, avoiding a couple of fields, which can be particularly muddy at the moment. One of the great things about this walk is that there are two options; a shorter walk (marked in green) which takes you right up by the Manor or another longer walk (marked in red), which gives you a great view of the manor from up on high. Enjoy!

3.5/4.5 mile circular from South Wingfield, around Wingfield Manor A moderate and varied walk for you and your dog. The route should take around 2/2.5 hours. The route has a couple of decent inclines and there are stiles to cross. There are a few stretches of road so take care. The terrain is generally good but as with all walks if it has been wet there will probably be some muddy sections so a good pair of boots or wellies as always is highly recommended.

START: Opposite Taylors Mill on B5035 (Holme ln/Church Ln), South Wingfield, DE55 7NJ. Parking

1. Begin the walk by taking the signposted path opposite Taylors Mill to cross a footbridge. Then cross the fields alongside the River Amber before crossing the edge of the playing field, over a footbridge and passing through a tunnel under the railway. 2. Turn right and follow the railway for some distance as it takes you beside Shaw Wood. After the wood carry on ahead and keep to the right of a large detached house, following signs to a wooden gate on your left. 3. Follow the path diagonally down the fields and through a metal gate, then diagonally again to pass through a wooden gate. Bear slightly left, downhill to cross a footbridge over a brook. Then bear uphill and slightly right, to keep the hedge on your right. Carry on to cross a stile, then head diagonally left to cross another stile onto Jacksons Lane. 4. Turn right and walk down Jacksons Lane for some distance. At a T-junction turn right and walk along Park Lane for some distance passing under the railway bridge and then some houses on your left.

SHORTER ROUTE

5. For a shorter route take a turn on your right, signposted ‘Public Bridleway’, before reaching ‘Shrewsbury Cottage’, turn left along a path. 6. Walk along this path for some distance, by a ford and then uphill towards the Manor. After the Manor at a junction of paths, take the path to the right heading downhill. 7. Continue to reaching a tarmacked road and turn left to follow the road up towards Manor road (B5035). Turn right and follow the road. Past the Yew Tree pub take the footpath sign on the right.

LONGER ROUTE

5. For the extended walk carry on along Park Lane, past the turn for Fritchley and then uphill for about half a mile. Pass the first path on your right then after the road bends left then right take the stile on your right to walk alongside the field. 6. At the B5035/Garner Lane turn left then cross to take a footpath. before a newly built house. About 150 meters up the path by a small set of footpath signs on the wall turn right to head towards the telegraph pole and follow the path down the fields to cross a footbridge. 7. After the bridge bear right to cross a stile and follow the path as it winds around the back of the houses and brings you out onto the B5035/Manor road, near the Yew Tree pub. Cross the road and take the path ahead.

8. At this point both routes re-join. After a short way turn left after the gate and follow the path past the allotments. Bear right to cross a stile and down the steps. Turn left at the bottom then turn right onto Parks Avenue. Next turn left on Parks Avenue and continue ahead to reach the road. Turn right and you’re back to where you began.

This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines takes no responsibility for anyone who chooses to follow this route and encourages all walkers to obey all byelaws and signs and to respect the area they are walking in, ensuring they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.

Wingfield Manor

Park Head

South Wingfield Fritchley