How to keep your dog safe

DATA SHOWS HILLINGDON HAS LONDON’S HIGHEST RATE OF CANINE THEFTS

AS dog theft is sadly on the rise across London, Dogs Trust are inviting locals to an event on Wednesday August 29 with advice on how to keep your pooches safe. Residents may be surprised to learn that Hillingdon is in fact the highest borough for dog theft in London.

The high street event will run from 11am to 3pm will be held outside Metrobank in Uxbridge town centre. The charity will be offering a number of services including free microchipping, temporary ID tags, free health checks and nails clippings, as well as behavioural advice.

Lee Paris, Dogs Trust senior campaigns officer comments:

“We know that dogs truly are a part of their owners’ families, and it can be incredibly traumatic when a dog is stolen.

“Currently, the penalty for dog theft is based on the monetary value of the dog as a possession – we are hoping to highlight the emotional anguish a family experiences when their dog is stolen.

“We want tougher sentencing for dog theft, but also want to encourage families to take simple but effective measures to prevent their dog being stolen. We encourage local residents to come along to this event and learn more about how to keep their four-legged friends safe.”

Dogs Trust’s campaign ‘Family Pawtraits’ aims to bring awareness to the growing problem of dog theft in the UK, as reported incidents rise to over 2,000 each year. The charity is campaigning for stronger sentencing for the crime, and encouraging owners to take measures to prevent their pet being stolen.

Dogs Trust West London’s rehoming centre manager Richard Moore offered three simple pieces of advice to reduce the risk of theft in the first place, and to offer the best possible chance of reunification if your dog is stolen.

He said: “It’s the three S’s: “Safe; secure your home and garden to prevent anyone entering without your knowledge.

“Spottable; keep your dog in sight and trained to return if you call them.

“Searchable; ensure your dog is microchipped, the chip details are kept up to date and you know what to do if your dog goes missing.”

If you would like to learn more about keeping your dog safe from theft please come along to the event and speak with some of our friendly team. Above: a resident at the Dogs Trust rehoming centre – the charity is issuing guidelines on how to keep their four-legged friends safe as figures show Hillingdon has the highest rate of dog thefts in London