Dognapping: Protecting your beloved companion
The love and companionship that our furry pets offer us, especially dogs, are beyond measure. Many pet owners view their pets as members of their families, and as such, they would do everything in their power to protect them from harm, including dognapping. Unfortunately, dognapping has become a real and growing threat to owners worldwide. Despite its gravity, it is often overlooked and under-reported. However, by understanding the facts and figures associated with this issue, pet owners can take proper actions to prevent and combat dognapping.
The Scope of Dognapping
Pet owners dread Dognapping, and for good reasons. According to Reader’s Digest, Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States, but they are also one of the most dognapped breeds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) reported that purebred dog breeds are the most targeted, including the Boston Terrier, German Shepherd, Labradoodle, Pomeranian, French Bulldog, Chihuahua, Maltese, American Pit Bull Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, and Labrador Retriever. The reasons behind this can vary from attractive traits such as friendly temperament, easy trainability, physical characteristics such as size and coat colors, and intelligence to their purity, which is in great demand and thus fetches high prices.
Dognapping is also a serious crime that has severe consequences, with some states taking it very seriously. For instance, the state of Virginia considers dognapping a class 5 felony, punishable by up to ten years in jail. Although it may seem inconceivable, even dogs with low monetary value qualify as a penalty offense. Similarly, in France, where pets are valued and loved, over 75,000 dogs are stolen each year.
According to Lost Pet Research and Recovery, there are over two million brave dog owners in the United States each year. This staggering figure is alarming in itself, considering that pet theft is a crime that is often not pursued or resolved by authorities. It is estimated that over 80% of missing pets in the United States are never found, making it a crime that can be concluded with animal cruelty, overpopulation, and adverse effects on pet owners’ mental health.
Theft Prevention & Recovery
There are several pre-emptive measures pet owners can take to avoid dognapping. Reactive measures include keeping your pet in your sight, not leaving them unattended in open spaces, using a leash when outdoors, and installing high-quality locks on fences and gates. Additionally, pet owners can have their pets microchipped, which is a quick, easy, and painless identification process that helps to reunite pets with their owners once found. This procedure is essential in ensuring the return of lost pets, with the Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) revealing that only 8% of recovered pets were microchipped.
It is vital that pet owners contact animal shelters, agencies, or authorities as soon as their pet goes missing, as this increases the chances of them being reunited with their companions. Advocacy groups like Dog Trust and several organizations worldwide have dedicated themselves to re-homing dogs, and their efforts should be lauded. Some states across the United States, such as Virginia, take pet theft seriously, and they offer resources and assistance such as education about pet safety and security, as well as assistance with recovering a stolen pet.
Dognapping Causes
Pet theft is a highly profitable illegal business that involves various stakeholders. The ASPCA reports that after a dog is stolen, it is often either sold for breeding to puppy mills or held for ransom by a thief to collect a monetary reward. They are also used for illegal activities such as dog fighting, animal experimentation, or even as pets for individuals who cannot own pets legally. Another awful phenomenon in this genre is the theft of dogs for their fur, organs, or meat. These horrific activities often lead to the death of pets in the hands of dognappers, with survivors facing traumatic experiences.
Conclusion
Dognapping is not just a crime but an act of violence and cruelty toward man’s best friend. By understanding the crucial facts and figures associated with dognapping, pet owners can take preventative and necessary action to protect their beloved companions. This includes being alert in public spaces, using reliable locking mechanisms, and having pets microchipped. Pet owners must understand the significance of contacting animal agencies and shelters as soon as their pet goes missing. More importantly, governments worldwide need to come together and implement strategies and policies that protect animals from such cruelty. Only then can we ensure that the love and companionship shared with our four-legged friends remain secure and meaningful.
