09/03/2021
WARNING WARNING WARNING , PLEASE SHARE
Many of you will have seen the disturbing news that dog theft is on the increase and that thieves have been posing as RSPCA officers in a van with RSPCA stickers on it .
Please be aware when out with your dog.
the following advice may help:
Be aware that there is a new ploy being undertaken by dog thieves. Having a white van with RSPCA stickers on and removing dogs from dog walking owners under the pretext that the dog matches the description of a stolen dog.
NEVER. Let your dog be taken by anyone. Insist they follow you to the vets to have the dog scanned to prove ownership by the Chip. If they're not for real, they won't go with you! The RSPCA will NEVER take a dog like that.
Phone the Police at the first opportunity with as much detail as possible and if at all possible take photos of the offenders and car registration. There are also reports of these thieves door knocking in residential areas.
THESE ARE THIEVES NOT THE RSPCA , THE RSPCA NEEDS A WARRANT FROM THE COURTS TO SEIZE ANY DOG IF THEY DONT HAVE IT THEY AREN'T WHO THEY SAY THEY ARE .
The Police have offered this advice to keeping dogs safe:
Protect your dog from thieves
*Never leave your pet tied-up unattended, such as outside shops for example.
*Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and ID tag when in a public place, as you are now required to do by law. Include your surname, telephone number, address and full post code and if there’s room, put ‘microchipped’ on the tag if your dog has a chip. DO NOT put the dogs name on, it means that anyone can call your dog to them.
*Ensure your dog can be permanently identified by its microchip or tattoo.A microchip is normally sufficient to identify your pet if it does become lost or stolen.
*Ask your vet to check your dog’s microchip every year to ensure your details are accurate and up-to-date.
*From 6 April 2016, all dogs must be microchipped and registered to an approved database by the time they are eight weeks old. Puppies can usually be microchipped from four weeks of age depending on their size, so ensure this is done as soon as possible.
*Decide who owns the dog(s) within in your family. Discuss who will own them after bereavement or the break-up of a relationship.
*Keep all documentation relating to your dog(s) in a safe place. Include clear photos of front and side profiles of your dog. Make a note or take a picture of any unusual markings.
*Be cautious when choosing someone who will care for your dog(s) while you are at work, in hospital or on holiday. Be clear about when the dog will be handed over and who will collect it.
*Use a registered boarding kennel or professional dog carer with documentation to this effect unless you know someone who is trustworthy that will care for your dog in your absence.
*Train your dog not to go out of your sight on walks. Use an extending lead if the dog does not comply. Vary your walk times and routes.
*Beware of strangers who show interest in your dog: don’t give details about your dog. Don’t allow strangers to have their photograph taken with your dog.
*Ensure your garden or yard is secure. Check it regularly for wear and tear or gaps. It should keep your dog in and trespassers out. Keep your dog in view when it goes out into the garden at all times don’t ever leave it unattended .
