Protect Your Pet Against Theft

Protect Your Pet Against Theft

According to the Missing Pets Bureau, 38% of all dogs reported lost have been stolen and sadly 60% are never recovered. What is more, cat thefts have increased by 40% since 2014 with thieves focusing on valuable breed targets such as Bengals, Russian Blues and Siamese which can be sold on for hundreds of pounds. For most pet owners, it is not the monetary loss that is important but the heartbreak of not knowing what has happened to their beloved companion.

Protection for Your Dog

Whilst pedigree dogs are most at risk, even non-pedigree may be stolen as thieves wait for a reward to be offered.

Advice from the Blue Cross is quite clear:

• Think carefully before leaving your dog tied up outside a shop

• Do not leave your dog in a parked car even for a few minutes

• Vary the times of your dog walks and vary the routes that you take

• Make sure your dog is microchipped from 8 weeks old onwards and remember, this is now a requirement by law

• Make sure the contact details are up to date

• Take regular photographs of your dog so that you can circulate if anything happens to them

• Train your dog to come back when called and if you are not certain that they will, walk on an extending lead rather than let them loose

• Take extra care if you are taking the dog away from home

• If you are using a dog walker, check their credentials carefully beforehand

• Do not leave your pet unsupervised in the garden

• Make sure your garden is secure If you are unfortunate enough to have your dog stolen, act quickly and report the loss to the local council’s dog warden and also report to the police and get a crime number

for them. Let local pet rescue centres know in case the dog turns up there. Warn other dog owners in the area so that they can take additiona precautions if there are thieves in the area. This will also alert them to helping you find your own. Local newspapers are usually more than happy to publish a pet photograph and local shops will willingly put up posters so that the public can report any sightings.

n Article written by Mary Lloyd who was Young scientist of the year in 1980 before appointment as a Lecturer & Consultant in Animal Production at Edinburgh University for 8 years. Boots Company Marketing, product development and corporate planning for 6 years. Set up own company in 2000 based on own formulations that prevent allergic reactions to pets, pollen, dustmite and mould. Currently have 5 dogs, 1 cat and a small flock of Hebridean sheep.

Protecting Your Cat

Believe it or not, it is thought that up to 360,000 adults may have had their cat stolen during the past year even though reported losses are numbered only in the hundreds. Protecting your cat is not an easy job because cats naturally roam within their territories. If your cat is missing, before you panic, check your own shed and garage in case they have got accidentally shut inside and ask your neighbours to do the same. Cats are so quick at slipping in behind you, it can happen very easily. Even though cats do not need to be microchipped by law, it is still recommended not only to help protect them against thieves but also in case they have an accident. Again make sure your contact details are up to date preferably the telephone number rather than their name. Put up a “Missing Cat” sign with a photograph on the gate so that other people can help you with the search. Let your Veterinary Surgeon and local rescue centres know so that they can contact you if the cat turns up there. Put up missing posters in local shops with your cat’s photograph. Other pet owners are always anxious to help in these situations because they know how distressed they would be if their opet was missing.

You can also spread the word by Social Media whether it is a cat or a dog. GPS tracking devices such as collars are often discussed for prevention but alas, these are all too easily removed.

With your cat, try and stay positive. Cats are remarkably adept at finding food and water and looking after themselves. In contrast, dogs are not quite so clever and are more likely to suffer deprivation if they are left to their own devices.

Whatever you do, try and stay positive and never give up looking for them. Pets have been known to turn up months later when you have just about given up hope.

Lastly, with fireworks season coming upon us soon, do try and keep your cats and dogs indoors. Your pets are exceptionally vulnerable when they are frightened and can easily get lost without the help of any third party. Two years ago, our little Bichon Fries crashed through the cat flap and ran for 3 miles down the road. We searched all night and could not find him. Eventually, someone told the newsagent that they had a little white dog at home. He had wondered into wedding reception at the Golf Club covered in brambles! Fortunately, it was a happy ending.