Keeping dogs safe
Several weeks ago I suspect I may have unknowingly witnessed a crime.
Referring to the Campbell Live programme, the ‘‘Dog Rolling’’ segment, whereby people are stealing family pets from unsuspecting owners on rural and urban properties to use as ‘‘bait’’ for highly vicious pitbull fights – which apparently are now mainly operated nationwide on trucks which travel the country to avoid detection.
They are linked to the low-life customers paying to view this animal cruelty by internet.
Approximately five to six weeks ago, having slowed to cross the rail lines at Waharoa – returning to Matamata – my attention was caught as I viewed on the verge a stopped large, plain, white truck and a burly man walking a miniature brown longhaired dachshund to the rear of the truck.
The driver in the cab of the truck appeared anxious for me to pass (upon reflection this little dog was very similar to one of the nine missing dogs featured).
A week later I noticed the same truck on the Tower Rd.
Hopefully I am being unduly suspicious but would be remiss not to draw attention to the possibility that these evil people may be seeking new victims in this area, preying upon your relaxed and trusting nature to kidnap and subject our family pets to an abhorrent net of animal cruelty in the extreme.
Please secure your dogs when left unattended and consult with trusted neighbours to be wary of any strangers in your area.