Today's Report on Dog-Napping

by Courtney Mroch | More from this Blogger

10 Apr 2008 08:57 AM

This morning while I ate breakfast and watched Today with my mom, they covered a story about the rise in dog-nappings. And they weren't talking about dogs taking more naps, but dogs being kidnapped.

Not for the Reasons I Expected

Because they were showing purebred dogs I figured that dog snatchers were focusing on taking dogs that they hoped to get a ransom for. Not so. (Although some do take the dog, wait for a reward to be offered, and then say they've found it to claim the reward.)

But they also had other reasons for nabbing dogs, such as:

• To sell on the black market where they command a huge profit.

• To fulfill an "order" for a fried who wants a particular kind of dog.

• For themselves.

The Breeds Most Commonly Snatched

Not surprisingly it was the smaller breed dogs that are most often targeted by dog-nappers. For one thing, many breeds can now command upwards of $2,500 a piece. For another, they're easier to handle and run away with.

The ones they identified as being the most popular dog-napped dogs were Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers, and Maltese.

Two Types of Thefts

Another thing I found interesting was how the thieves go about stealing the dogs.

(1) From pet stores or breeders: They'll set up appointments, ask to look at a dog, then smuggle it out in a jacket or otherwise.

(2) From an individual: They had a police lieutenant on the show who explained most dogs are taken from backyards, cars, or when they're tied up in front of stores.

Protecting Your Dog from Dog-Nappers

The lieutenant and the American Kennel Club spokesperson had some good suggestions for keeping your dog out of a dog-napper's reach, including:

• Never leave your dog unattended in your vehicle.

• Never leave your dog alone in the backyard for extended periods while you're away at work or running errands. Or, if you do, make sure the gate is locked.

• Never leave your dog tied up outside a restaurant or shop unattended.

• Make sure to have ID on your dog at all times. Since collars can be easily removed, they suggested microchipping your dog.

• Register your dog with a pet recovery service, like HomeAgain.com.

Related Articles

Preventing a Lost Pet

Recovering a Lost Pet

Learn more about Courtney Mroch

Courtney Mroch is a wife, a proud pet parent, and a writer. She's been with her husband, high school sweetheart Wayne Pryor, over 20 years, married 11 of those. She's "mom" to Mr. Meow, a.k.

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deedee1231 (4030) 10 Apr 2008 12:40 PM

Buddy, my miniature pomeranian, was taken from my backyard 6 years ago. He was a birthday gift to my daughter on her 6th b-day but he was really a family pet. I went in to answer the phone and when I came back out for Buddy he was gone. Never saw him again. We have never gotten another pet since.

Courtney Mroch (9169) 10 Apr 2008 08:29 PM

Oh my gosh, that is one of the saddest gone missing dog stories I've ever heard. I am SOOO sorry you and your family had to endure that. I wish it had had a happier ending. (As I'm sure you do too.)