Dognappers run amok!

Apparently dog thefts are on the rise. Through last month, the American Kennel Club has tracked more than 115 stolen pet stories this year. The group only heard of 71 thefts all of last year. Here’s some more info from AKC:

The FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which tracks stolen property nationwide, currently lists 200 stolen dogs, according to Steve Fischer, FBI Spokesperson. According to Fischer, “Dogs listed in our database must have permanent owner-applied serial numbers, such as those from embedded microchips. Unfortunately not all dogs have permanent ID, so we know this is only a fraction of the number of missing dogs.”

Earlier this year, a bill was introduced in Texas which would have made it a state felony to steal a pet, including the family dog, with a possible two years in prison if convicted. California and Delaware have tried to regulate roadside pet sales as a way to combat the trafficking of stolen pets to unsuspecting consumers.

Keep your pet safe:

• Keep your dog leashed.
• Don’t leave your dog alone in the yard, in your car or tied up outside a store.
• Have your pet microchipped.

What to do in a worst-case scenario:

• Call the police.
• Search the neighborhood.
• Post fliers. (This is why it’s important to have a current photo of your pet!)

How can you curb pet theft:

• Don’t buy dogs from the Internet, flea markets or roadside vendors. (Better yet – ADOPT!)
• Use reputable breeders and adoption agencies.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

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