IT'S A CRIME TO STEAL PETS

WARNING THE NEXT CAT TO BE STOLEN COULD BE YOURS

CATS are disappearing in vast numbers The evidence collected by Petwatch Australia proves that theft is the main cause more over the fact that certain breeds or colours vanish in considerable numbers from particular streets , suburbs, or country towns within a specific period of time indicates organised crime. Cats a being stolen for the European fur trade , the Asian food market. Stolen cats are quickly moved interstate and resold to unsuspecting buyers Also many are being held for ransom until the owner comes up with the money to pay the cat napper. 

WARNING  YOUR DOG COULD BE A TARGET FOR A PET THIEF

DOGS are stolen by breed for quite specific reasons and Petwatch Australia has identified the most vulnerable which are:German Sherpards , Rottweilers, Dobermans - for security work: Staffordshire bull terriers for dog fighting rings and breeding: Small dogs such as Australian terriers , Jack Russells , Maltese , Poodles and King Charles Spaniels are quickly sent overseas or interstate for re sale Labradors , Collies and Mongrels for research.Many are stolen from the streets outside shops , from parked cars and home yards.

HOW ARE THEY STOLEN

Many are easily stolen - friendly pets present no problem to a thief.The timid , nervous or unfriendly pet is not as easily stolen, 

However , the thieves use food as bait , fishing nets , wire lassos or more seriously , rabbit snares and possum traps. Most theives stael by deception - they reply to many " Free to Good Home" and " Found " advertisements. If the enquirer is evasive , be suspicious, check addresses and telephone numbers note the registration number of of their vehicle. Petwatch recommends that the animal is taken to its new home and even better still visit the address before handing the animal over. If someone claims to be an RSPCA officer, Council officer or Ranger , ask for identification.

SO HOW CAN WE PROTECT THEM

1. During the day watch your pet as you would a child .

2. Keep them indoors after dark.

3. Feed your pet at bedtime so that they are more likely to sleep and not stray

4. Restrict your pet to the safest entrance in the house.

5. Consider building runs for both cats and dogs , so they can be outside but safe.

6. Neutered pets tend to wander less. ( This is a decision you have to make)

7. Alert neighbours to the dangers of pet thefts - ask them to be vigilant in terms of suspicious people or vehicles.

8. Consider forming or joining a neighbourhood petwatch scheme.

9. Dispaly warning posters in your area (Available from Petwatch)

10. When advertising never say "Free to Good Homes" , simply say   Good Homes Wanted "

FACTS ABOUT THE CAT AND DOG THIEVES

There is no stereotype of a pet thief , they may be either sex and any age or appearance . Similarly , their vehicles may be vans cars  , old or new. Daytime thefts often involve vans with blanked out windows. The vehicles crawl slowly around an area , a careful watch being kept of streets and gardens. Sometimes the theft of a dog or cat might take place on the sighting or the theif may return at a quieter time , having ascertained that there are numerous cats and dogs that could be stolen.

HOW DO THEY GET AWAY WITH IT

Ignorance is ttheir ally - generally the public is not aware of what is happening. What they must do is note the registration number of the vehicle its colour make and general description . If the thieves speak , note their accent ; take details of their clothing , height , age and hairstyle. If a member of the public suspects that a pet theft has taken place then this information should be given immediately to the police and Petwatch Australia , who will ensure that all information of this most serious nature shall be investigated fully.

WHERE ARE THEY STOLEN

Cats and Dogs are stolen from areas of high pet population. Areas near to major roads and highways are targets as are large housing estates; nevertheless , isolated dwellings and country towns are also at risk.

WHEN ARE THEY STOLEN

Night is still a very popular time - theives strike from dusk onwards and at dawn when cats and dogs are hungry. So it is important cats and small dogs are kept indoors after dark . It is also important that larger pets kept indoors after dark. It is also important that larger pets kept outdoors after dark should have a very secure  and well locked yard. A chain and collar is also very important to have ; don't forget these things , they are to your pets benefit.Many thefts , however are taking place in the quieter parts of the day when few people are about.