RSPCA warns of rise in dog thefts

Concerns are being raised over dogs being stolen in West Sussex.

The alert was sounded after a woman in Cranleigh reported that her Jack Russell was spotted getting in a silver Mercedes saloon. And people in Kirdford, Pulborough and Billingshurst are reporting ‘suspiciousactivities’withmen in a truck trawling the area.

People are being warned to keep their dogs on leads. And the RSPCA is urging people to report any incidents to police. Aspokespersonsaid:“It’sreally concerning to see how many dogs are being stolen each yearandwe’durgeanyonewho believed their pooch has been taken to report the incident to police immediately.

“As an animal welfare charitytheRSPCAdoesn’tdeal directlywithpettheft–leaving criminalmatterssuchasthisto the expertise of police – but we believe the rise in dognapping could be as a result of the surging popularity, and value, ofcertain‘designer’breedsand fashionable crossbreeds.

“We’d urge all dog owners to take extra precautions to protect their pets from thieves by neutering them, ensuring they are microchipped with up-to-date contact details registered, ensuring they wear a collar with contact details embroidered or an engraved ID tag.

“We’d also advise that owners never leave their pets tied up outside shops or alone in cars, ensure their gardens are secure with gates locked, and ensure their pet has a good recall and doesn’t stray too far when off-lead on walks. Anyone who suspects their dog may have been stolen should immediately alert police,contacttheirmicrochip companytoregistertheirpetas stolen and inform local rescue groups, vets, dog walkers and neighbours.”