SCOURGE OF THE XMAS DOGNAPPERS
Burglars target designer breeds
GANGS of cruel dognappers are snatching up to 10 pooches a day, causing untold misery for families this Christmas.
POLICE are warning of a surge in dognappings in the Christmas run-up.
Families are being left heartbroken as burglars target designer breed puppies they can sell on as festive gifts.
Colin Butcher, director of UK Pet Detectives, estimated an average eight dogs are stolen every day, with the figure rising to at least 10 during the first two weeks of December.
He said: “It’s an awful offence. The devastation that thieves cause to the families afterwards is immeasurable.”
Crooks used a drone to spy on an autistic girl’s Leicestershire home and nick her dalmatian on December 1.
Rob Layton, 45, was battered while walking his staffies in Wakefield, West Yorks, last Tuesday. And a litter of American bulldog pups was stolen in Rochester, Kent, last Friday.
Ed Hayes, of The Kennel Club, said: “Pet theft is traumatic for any dog and owner, so we recommend being vigilant and taking precautions to help keep dogs safe. Owners should make sure their dogs are microchipped.”
CRIMINALS are not known for their compassion.
But the Christmas-time trend of dognapping is particularly cruel. The worst part of this crime is the emotional stress it causes the victim. Dog owners often treat their pets as if they are a member of the family. In many cases, taking the animal is almost like taking a child. And the scumbag crooks know this. They know the victims will be utterly distraught and pay any sum to get their beloved dog back. Material possessions can generally be replaced. Even the pain attached to losing sentimental items eases with time. But dog owners would never get over having their pet snatched. Their family member and friend gone in an instant, without any way of finding out what happened to them. The punishments for this heinous crime need to be stiffer. That way, crooks may think twice before ruining the lives of a family for the sake of a few quid.