Dog Snatching On the Rise

Image via Do-While.com

According to the American Kennel Club, pet theft is up by 32% percent in 2011, which equates to about 224 furry friends in the first 7 months of the year, compared to last year.

“We are getting reports almost daily of pets stolen during home invasions, out of parked cars while people are running errands and even snatched from dog lovers out for a walk in the park,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. 

Holy hell people, this is sad. There have been some reports as of late of pups being stolen in Brooklyn, and I can’t help but think of how many dogs I see tied up to parking meters, newspaper stands and trees in the park. I rarely think anything of it. Perhaps it's because I am not a dog snatcher, but it never really occurred to me why anyone would worry. Apparently we need to pay some attention to the matter here in the ‘hood.

Here are some tips to keep your dog safe:

-Keep your dog on the leash: This will help ensure that your pooch doesn’t run off and catch the attention of a thief

-Be careful what you tell people about the dog: revealing the price you paid, what breed the dog is, and details about where you live can make Fido instantly more at risk, especially if he’s purebred or could be used as a fighting dog

-Never leave your pup in the car or tied up outside a store: I know it’s convenient but is it really worth it?

-Mirco-chip your furry friend: These are undetectable by thieves, so this may be the easiest way to track down the dog after he’s lost or stolen

-Keep the micro-chip serial # in your cell phone, so while you are out looking for the potentially stolen animal, you can report the incident immediately to the cops and animal control with the right info

-And to aid in the reduction of the stolen puppy market, be aware where you buy your pets. Avoid the newspaper, non-reputable websites, and roadside dog selling. Go straight to a breeder or a trusted rescue group.

Neighborhood watch y'all!

Lastly, on August 8th we posted a story about a missing pup named Winston, who took off during off-leash hours at Long Meadow after a Celebrate Brooklyn event. This was the initial email sent out by their owners, Mike and Kumiko:

This morning, we contacted many, many local vets and the local shelters. On reaching Sean Casey's Animal Rescue, we were informed that a girl had found our dog and called Sean's shelter to report. She even took pictures. Along the way she ran into the police and gave him to them. The police promised to take Winston to the shelter the next day. We contacted the girl who was super helpful and sent her pics to us, showing that indeed she had found Winston trying to cross eastern parkway to make his way home. She remembered the officer's name and we contacted him today. Apparently during the night three women (african american or Caribbean American) pulled up in an old model, black 4 door car with Virginia plates. They convinced the officer that he was their dog and he gave him to them. He was last seen near the corner of Eastern Parkway and Franklin Ave in Brooklyn.

Mike and Kumiko are meeting with the Commanding Officer of the 77th precinct on Friday and the Police Commissioner's office on Friday as well to get more aid. They have also raised the reward to $1,500. If you think that you've seen Winston, please contact them at MICHAEL.REINHARDT.MD@GMAIL.COM or 646-256-7343. He is micro-chipped and any vet should be able to identify him with it.