PET THEFT AWARENESS WEEK 2016

Unfortunately pet theft is on the rise in the UK. However there are a number of tips we can take on board to ensure the safety of our fur-families. PET THEFT AWARENESS WEEK (March 2016) is this week so read this article to help protect your dogs from thieves!

Below is a true story of Zola who is still missing:

“Words cannot express the sense of loss, helplessness and worry that are rushing around my head, every single moment and every day.” – Nadine.

Nadine’s account is very moving and shows the human effect of this devastating crime…

Zola was stolen at around 3pm on October 31 2014 outside of Tesco Express on Commercial Road, London. She is an 11 month old Jack Russell puppy, black and white in colour and is micro-chipped. Zola is quite small for her age due to the fact she may have been the runt of the litter.

A 5ft 4” male was caught on CCTV walking her away. He was wearing a red jumper, khaki trousers and a cap which obscured his face on the security cameras.

How does it feel to be a victim of dog theft? I have been inconsolable since Zola’s disappearance. Words cannot express the sense of loss, helplessness and worry that are rushing around my head, every single moment and every day. I am frantically trying to find Zola again, whilst having to battle with being rational and logical in working out the best possible way. The way the local community have rallied round and gone out of their way to help and organised searches has overwhelmed me and I remain in hope every second that Zola and I will be reunited. Having websites like PetTheftAwareness, and having the opportunity to post this article, again strengthens this feeling of a community who really care about animals and their welfare.

Zola’s DogLost profile: http://www.doglost.co.uk/dog-blog.php?dogId=77400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/findzola

SO HOW CAN WE HELP PREVENT THIS HAPPENING TO OUR MUCH LOVED PETS?

Tips for protecting your dog:

• Never leave your dog unattended while you shop.
• Be vigilant that thieves grab dogs from owners on walks
• Keep your garden secure. Over 50% of dogs stolen are stolen from gardens!
• Take regular photographs of your pets and be ready to use them.
• Microchip your dog, and keep details up to date.
• Ask your vet to check your dog’s chip every time you visit.

YOUR PET HAS GONE MISSING….WHAT DO YOU DO?

• If your pet is microchipped, remember to report it as soon as you possibly can on Petlog.
• If your pet is snatched try to take photographs of any vehicles used in the crime. Write down as much info as you can straight away.
• Contact the police immediately.
• Contact friends and start an immediate search of the area.
• Consider areas where you think thieves might take your dog.
• The quicker you act now the better the chance you have of getting back your pet.
• Put message out on Facebook including an image of your dog. Tell your friends to share. Tweet too.
• If you have not done already activate your dog’s chip details on DogLost.co.uk and visit their site for help and information. It may also be helpful in install the doglost.co.uk android app for your phone or tablet.
• Put a poster up in your police station – maybe one of the police officers will see it and recognise your pet.
• Click here for a list of council dog wardens. It is worth calling them as hopefully thieves might dump your dog if they are worried about getting caught.
• Post details on Petlog lost and found facebook here.

WE HOPE YOU FOUND THIS INFORMATION HELPFUL. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO http://WWW.PETTHEFT.CO.UK  and don’t forget if you need help or you have lost your companion please dont hesitate to contact us on 01327 350 239 (Towcester) or 01327 344 999 (Weedon)

ABOUT KAT MOZDZYNSKI RVN MBVNA

Kat has been nursing for 12 years and joined the team at Towcester Vets back in 2013. She enjoys all aspects of nursing and specialises in clinical work and acupuncture.
View all posts by Kat Mozdzynski →