American Kennel Club has released information regarding dogs being stolen from their owners. Dognapping as they call it, is up almost 70% from last year. They're being taken from their owner's vehicles, waiting areas in public and at home as well as theft from shelters.
The AKC recommends owners get their dogs microchipped. This is a controversial subject as their are cons and pros regarding chipping your pets. One of the most important concerns is that the chip releases radiation into the dogs system which may lead to Cancer or other diseases. Another problem is getting dogs from breeders or other vendors who have already chipped the dog with their name and address. If you lose track of the vendor and you lose your dog the chip will carry return info for the lost vendor and not you-messy messy situation.
The positive side of chipping is that if someone finds your dog and returns it to a shelter or vet, your return info will be on it and chances are good you'll get your dog back.
We all take our dogs in our vehicles for companionship and so the dog can get out and see new places, people, other dogs and get exercise. Apparently, just a quick run into the store can put your dog at risk nowadays.
Solutions include a harness that lets owners carry their dog, preferably small dog, in front and secure. Asking store owners if you can carry or bring your dog inside the store, pet stores and garden nurseries are usually dog-friendly. Putting up a car-sunshade to hide your pet's location in the car might be a good way to protect your pet also. You might want to consider a small motion sensing alarm for your car or even on the pet's harness.
No reason is being offered for the increase in pet thefts which makes the situation even creepier as all kinds of dark scenarios come to mind. Are the dogs being used for some kind of medical or scientific experimentation or being deported and sold in neighboring countries or are people so cash-poor now that if they want a dog the only way they can get one is to steal it?
Whatever the reason, be extra careful when you take your dog outside your home and certainly leash it in city areas. Don't leave the dog waiting on it's leash in front of a store or even your urban home. Try to hide your dog from view if you have to leave the vehicle or sadly, consider not taking your dog out in your vehicle as much. Think about risk versus reward.
More details at CBS New York.
Here's a video of an actual Dognapping:
