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:

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[Reverse Advice Column]: Is It Safe To Tie My Pooch Up Outside While Running Into A Bodega?

I’ve had an adorable pit/lab puppy named Carlin for approximately 3 months.  When I run to the corner market to grab a few groceries I prefer to bring Carlin along so he can get some fresh air and empty his tank on someone’s bicycle tire. I usually tie him up just outside while I run in to grab a few essentials.  No big deal. When I exit the bodega I usually walk out to see some cute little hipster pawing at a piece of string with my puppy. This works beautifully in Brooklyn. All is right with the world.

This is not the case in Manhattan (specifically NoHo).  I bring George Jr. to work with me quite frequently and while I run to grab my morning caffeine fix I tie him up for a few minutes. Each time I walk outside, I'm greeted with some stern-faced Mafioso who reprimands me for leaving my dog to die. Every. Single. Time. 

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FIPS CARES: This Little Guy Still Needs a Home!

Back in March we posted a piece on this adorable pup named Chino, whose owner was facing eviction lest she find him a new home. Since our posting he's been fostered by a lovely woman named Hillary, but this pooch still needs a permanent abode.

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