Hot on his tail Animal tecs feel collars

PET detectives are being called in by owners desperate to track down stolen animals.

Dogs have become targets with thefts up 20 per cent in a year as crooks snatch desirable breeds to order.

But the pet detectives, who are often former police officers, also investigate reports of missing cats.

Colin Butcher, an ex-cop who runs The Pet Detectives in Cranleigh, Surrey, says there is typically a difference between cat and dog thefts.

He said: “Dog thieves are usually specialists, making a living stealing specific dogs which are then supplied to small breeders.

“They target the most commercial breeds, such as springer spaniels which have large litters. There is an enormous black market in stolen dogs.”

Colin says cat thefts are often not so straightforward. He explained two

Nick Harding recently enlisted the help of the Pet Detectives to find Alvin, his missing two-year-old Bengal cross cat. He said: “Alvin went missing in February. Despite lots of advice – plus many leaflets and an advertised reward – Alvin is still lost. But given the chance, I’d do it all again if I thought I could find Alvin. “Some people suggest it’s a waste of money but I won’t give up on my pet. “Given the success rate of the Pet Detectives, I’m hopeful he’ll be found.” OUR vet Brian Faulkner, from Petplan, has 16 years of experience and is a freelance working all over the country. Send your questions to Brian at: Petplan, Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX or via Petplan’s Facebook page facebook.com/ PetplanUK. thirds of cats visit other houses, so people will take a cat in if they believe it is a stray animal.

Usually only pedigree cats are stolen, he added. “There are certain breeds of cats such a Russian blue and British short haired that are personable and pretty, which make them more attractive for thieves.”

At least 60 pets go missing in the UK ever hour. Pet detectives can charge £300 a day as their work can take them far and wide if an animal has been snatched and driven away.

Most agencies will refuse to take on a case if it is an ownership tussle.

Colin says: “We won’t take on domestic cases where a couple are arguing over a dog and one person has hidden the dog away.

“We tend not to do cold cases either. Ideally you need to come to us within a week of a pet going missing.” MY rabbit won’t be held. Whenever we try to pick her up, she always struggles free. Is there any way of making her more tame?

Couple