Dognapping On the Rise—Protect Your Pet

Thursday, August 2, 2012 - 11:15am
Dognapping On the Rise—Protect Your Pet

Pet theft is on the rise. The American Kennel Club, which has been tracking pet thefts since 2007, reported a 32% increase in dog thefts last year.

While some animals are snatched from their yards or during home invasions, opportunistic thieves most commonly steal dogs left in cars or tied up outside stores. In the ASPCA’s hometown of New York City, dognappings skyrocket every summer as pet parents take advantage of nice weather to combine dog-walking with errand-running.

Protect Your Pet
Avoid becoming a victim of this heartbreaking crime!

  • When running errands around town, visit pet-friendly establishments or please leave your dog at home.
  • Keep a close eye on your pet in designated off-leash areas, where he could become a target for criminals looking to make a quick buck. (Pet thieves often try to resell—or even hold for ransom—stolen dogs.)
  • Avoid leaving your pet unattended in the front yard, especially if your lawn is exposed or accessible.
  • The same rules apply for leaving your pet tied up outside a store. In addition to being vulnerable to theft and teasing, your dog might escape or get injured.
  • Microchip your pet! Microchipping can often mean the difference between temporary and permanent separation from your furry loved one.

For more important information about what to do if your pet is missing, please read our article on Finding a Lost Pet.

Tags: 
Pet Care

Comments

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:51 — Ursula (Visitor)
It's not "rescue" if the dog is stolen to bait (and consequently feed) dogs for dog fights. I'm sure Vick can tell you a story or two about that.

Thu, 08/02/2012 - 21:24 — Pat (Visitor)
We never leave our boy Chester (std Pom) in our car unattended. One of us always stays w/him while the other shops. We keep our gates to our enclosed back yard locked for his sake as well. And he has a dog door between house and fenced yard. There are Class B animal dealers who steal pets for resale to laboratories for experimentation. The laboratories do not question their sources. Unfortunately, this has been a very real danger for many years. Due to a bad economy, unscrupulous people who would do it for their anticipated profit. The world is full of awful people who do terrible things. It is up to us to take every precaution for our pets safety.

Thu, 08/02/2012 - 21:24 — Pat (Visitor)
We never leave our boy Chester (std Pom) in our car unattended. One of us always stays w/him while the other shops. We keep our gates to our enclosed back yard locked for his sake as well. And he has a dog door between house and fenced yard. There are Class B animal dealers who steal pets for resale to laboratories for experimentation. The laboratories do not question their sources. Unfortunately, this has been a very real danger for many years. Due to a bad economy, unscrupulous people who would do it for their anticipated profit. The world is full of awful people who do terrible things. It is up to us to take every precaution for our pets safety.

Thu, 08/02/2012 - 23:41 — Shannon E. (Visitor)
Dog doors! Initially, they may seem like a great idea, but if your animal has access to one, particularly when nobody is home, it can result in heartache.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 05:09 — Dawn (Visitor)
I have always had a six foot privacy fence and I still went out with them in sub-zero temps. I raised APBT for 20 years, now I breed GSD's, and they dare you to come and try to mess with them or me. I and if you can get passed my dog you won't get past my 9mm.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:41 — Siobhan (Visitor)
hilarious! I love this post!!! Right on!!!

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:45 — Rebecca (Visitor)
Awesome! I agree 100%

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:43 — Cora (Visitor)
Why would you admit that you breed dogs in the ASPCA website?

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:49 — Tanya Stevens (Visitor)
b/c breeders think they do no wrong. RESCUE a dog, you will NEVER be sorry.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:55 — chibichibi (Visitor)
Because breeders aren't inherently terrible people as long as they do their research and don't inbreed. Puppy Mills are bad. Smart Breeders are okay.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:16 — Jennifer (Visitor)
It is never okay to use a dog as a puppy manufacturer for profit. Also, it is not okay to breed dogs when there are so many in shelters that are dying!

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 11:09 — Lisa (Visitor)
You don't know much about serious breeders who do love their dogs then. They don't make much of a profit for one (usually at a loss). And for another, the good breeders are probably going to be the only way purebreeds with good temperments will never go extinct. There is nothing wrong with mixed breeds and nothing wrong with adopting but stop criticizing other people. Yes, try to convince people to adopt. But not the way you say it, it turns people off. And never buy from a puppymill or store as they tend to be from puppymills.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 11:54 — Terry (Visitor)
I agree! The whole industry of breeding purebred dogs should be outlawed. Many healh problems are associated with purebred dogs, due to the practice of breeding. Adopt a dog instead.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 11:44 — Soupous (Visitor)
The words "smart " and "breeder" do not even belong in the same sentance. With MILLIONS of healthy pets being euthanized in the USA alone, every year, it is STUPID and SELFISH to breed cats or dogs. A smart person is a part of the SOLUTION , not the PROBLEM.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:55 — Roberta Pliner (Visitor)
Why shouldn't she admit she breeds dogs on this website? ASPCA, alone among the big animal rightist groups, does not recommend or promote mandatory spaying and castrating. Instead, ASPCA offers low-cost spaying and castrating on a voluntary basis. As a result, the numbers of intact dogs and cats in NYC are quite low, with no one forced--at least not by ASPCA--to spay or castrate or refuse to breed good animals. Being forced by law to do something that is really someone's private business just breeds resentment of all relevant authorities.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 13:01 — Ursula (Visitor)
I agree that serious, REGISTERED breeders have to follow strict guidelines to keep their lines pure and healthy. However, most backyard breeders are not registered and are all about the money. Some don't even know one breed from the other to tell the dogs are not the same breed but just look very much alike. Adoption is absolutely the way to go and you can get any type and age, of dog you want. My MinPin is purebread given up to a kill shelter by a breeder when he could not sell it as a puppy. What idiots!

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:12 — Sue (Visitor)
Please don't jump to conclusions. The poster said she "used" to breed APBT for 20 yrs, but NOW breeds GSD. PBs are my favorite breed. There's nothing better than a sweet, loving PB. One of my rescues is a PB mix. But I agree the breeding of PBs needs to slow down, even by the most reputable of breeders. And the breeding by "backyard" breeders needs to STOP altogether...don't get me going on the dam* puppy mills. PBs are the first to get put down at the pounds/shelters.

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 09:55 — Vanessa (Visitor)
Agreed! Admitting you breed dogs on a website like this is really stupid. Thanks for adding to the problem and making me work harder and harder every day to make sure those senior german sheps are rescued from kill shelters. You need to take a step back and look at the impact you are making on rescues and shelters. Stop breeding! There are thousands of gsd's in kill shelters right now. Some being slowly gassed to death. Your gun comment just makes you look like a moron wih a big gun and a small ****

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 11:01 — GSD Lover (Visitor)
Yep, same here. Mine Girls are never out unless attended by me. Let someone TRY to come on the property! Ha Ha Ha. IF you make it past them, then you have to deal with me & my 38. Much easier places to mess with, go on down the road.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 05:09 — Dawn (Visitor)
I have always had a six foot privacy fence and I still went out with them in sub-zero temps. I raised APBT for 20 years, now I breed GSD's, and they dare you to come and try to mess with them or me. I and if you can get passed my dog you won't get past my 9mm.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:54 — Tater Tot's Mom (Visitor)
If all intentional breeding was eliminated, this world would have more people to love the babies instead of more babies than people to love them. This leads to an outcome that makes organizations like this and other shelters a must and cost everyone in the long run. Especially the innocent animals. All they want is to be loved and will love you unconditionally if given the opportunity. BAN PUPPY MILLS!!!! LOVE THEM FIX THEM!!!!

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:01 — Roberta Pliner (Visitor)
If all intentional breeding were eliminated, in one generation, there would be no more dogs left. Is that what you want? You must have listened to HSUS' CEO's mantra--"one generation and out". Or do you approve of UN-intentional breeding? Why would UN-intentional breeding be better than well-planned selective breeding? Do you understand what I am writing--that spaying or castrating every dog in the country (or world) would mean there would be none left who could reproduce themselves. Spay and castrate surgeries are NOT reversible.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:33 — Mihku Paul (Visitor)
It is simply untrue that if all animals were spayed that there would be none left in one generation. That is a technical/ misleading answer. There are literally MILLIONS of companion animals facing starvation, injury, disease and abuse because there is no one to care for them in this country. They are euthanized (a pretty euphemism for kill) and often not even humanely. Shelters are overwhelmed trying to cope with the overload. There are only a very few reasons to breed companion animals. Unfortunately anyone at all is "free" to do as they like with animals as the animals have virtually no rights at all. I think it is both absurd and alarmist (as well as misleading) to say that if we spay and neuter companion animals they will ALL be gone. Even if we started today, it would be years and years before we could get a handle on the overpopulation of unwanted pets. We need to teach our children that animal ownership is a privilege and a responsibility, not a "god-given right" to treat other creatures however we see fit, for profit or entertainment.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:56 — MARIA DIVIRGILIO (Visitor)
I dont know if you are aware But you admit to Breeding GSD's. I am a person who tries to save dogs that are on death row thru a network of friends. Hate to burst your bubble but in the last 3 weeks there have been at least 30 FULL blooded Germen Shepards in high kill shelters that are waiting to die from puppys to 5 year olds. Maybe you should rethink breeding.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:45 — Mamie Watts (Visitor)
I never ever leave my dog out in the garden, even though I have a high secure fence when I leave the house. About once a week I walk the fence to make sure that no boards have been broken, and there is no way for her to get out, or another dog come in. Anticipation is the key, if I have workmen over, in advance, she is placed in a room where the door is secure. I look with anguish at the Lost and Found ads, and can only imagine the heart break of a lost or stolen dog.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:45 — dana (Visitor)
I rescue all sizes of dogs but I doubt you will get by any section of my yard My boxers, pits, and a couple of very protective labs guard me, my home and my smaller/ second fenced areas where my smaller rescues bathe in the sun and play in the grass. Coyotes dont come around either so cats also safe. "The Right to Bear Arms" sign is posted

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:51 — R Rich (Visitor)
Please be very careful out there, dogs can be also taken to be used as bait for dog fighting, as well as sold to medical labs for research. Please protect your pets and please don't bring them out in this heat, they can die quickly if left in a car, they cannot protect themselves!

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:51 — chibichibi (Visitor)
Sorry, but if I see someone has left their dog in a car that's been turned off and the windows aren't even cracked... That's a rescue from animal cruelty. Period. However, stealing a dog from a car that is on and has the A/C going.... that's another matter entirely.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:55 — JoniB (Visitor)
I have never and will never leave my dogs unattended in a car nor would I ever leave them tied out while going into a store. I would never do that to my 2 legged children why would I do it to my 4 legged ones ..... to me it's a no brainer. They are also supervised in the yard as well and not left alone for more than a few minutes.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:56 — Ellen (Visitor)
My dog is too dear to me to leave him unattended. If someone stole him while I was inside a store, I would have to blame myself first. Those type of crimes, are crimes of opportunity. I will not give anyone an opportunity to rip me off.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:57 — Nadine (Visitor)
I would never leave my dogs tied up outside a store or in my car. I left a shopping cart full of items one time all because I got kicked out for having my dog with me in her carrier. The manager said I could put her in my car and continue my shopping, I promptly left a full carriage in the middle of the aisle and walked out the store! Even if we had a yard, my dogs would not be left out in it without my being out there to supervise. They are too precious to me to have anything happen to them!

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:03 — Nadine (Visitor)
I'd also like to add that people should NEVER advertise dogs for free to a good home on Craig's List. Dog fighters troll sites like this looking for free dogs to use as bait. And you never know, the person could be well dressed and respectable looking and still be a dog fighter (take despicable Vick for example).

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:07 — thomas christopher (Visitor)
i have had all 3 of my dogs microchipped and i never take them in the car without locking the doors. even with that the dogs can unlock the doors allowing someone to get them. my dogs are mixed breed but are unusual in looks and colors. i also never take them out without a leash and that prevents anyone from tsking them. please protect them like you would your children

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:08 — M (Visitor)
I live in a VERY rural area, and neighbors of mine had their puppy taken by two little girls who "wanted to play with him". The owners turned their backs for a moment and the girls and the pup were gone -- turns out their mother used them to snatch dogs -- they'd walk away with the dog, meet her somewhere down the road where she waited with the car and take off. Fortunately, someone recognized the woman and the car and the police tracked her down and recovered the pu -- but she had a house FULL of other dogs that she was selling on eBay -- and no one knew who they belonged to. It just doesn't happen in cities.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:10 — Kathy (Visitor)
I'm sure there are many reputable breeders out there with good intentions; however, there are 1000's of dogs (and cats) being killed every day due to overpopulation. If people really cared about this deadly situation, they would not continue to breed. There is a house not far from mine that ALWAYS has a sign that says "chihuahua puppies for sale." I can't even begin to imagine what might be going on in that house. Also, why would anyone pay $1,200 for a dog when you can rescue one??? If you want a specific breed, there are many rescue groups out there. Please, please...rethink your breeding and purchasing practices.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:15 — monka blanke (Visitor)
To take a dog from a car or if it is tied up, IS theft. I never leave my dog unattended, when I go shopping my dog stays at home, unless the place is dog friendly.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:17 — Annedrya (Visitor)
I have heard several disturbing stories of dogs being stolen to be used as bait dogs for dog fighting rings. Dogs stolen out of yards and cars. Dog owners, please watch your dogs like they are your children. It's a scary world out there.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:21 — Judy Boyko (Visitor)
Anyone who intentionally leaves a pet in a car or tied up somewhere shouldn't have an animal to begin with. These are the same people who say they wouldn't leave a child in a car or unattended but think nothing of leaving a pet. The word is "common sense" here.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:24 — Emily (Visitor)
I also never leave my tinks in a car unattended. But there have been times when I've taken her on trips alone that I've had to stop and buy her water in which case she had to be left in the car for moments. So sometimes it's unavoidable. She deserves to get to go out and enjoy things with me when it's appropriate she loves rides and seeing people. She is microchipped and I assure you that if anyone tried to take her they would be hunted and punished :) her life's been hard enough before I rescued her so anyone that threatens her happyness will suffer :) don't leave your dog unattended just so you can shop. Ive only done it to make sure her an I were hydrated and even then it was at gas stations where I could see her from inside. But do take your pups for rides or a little hike :) they deserve to have trips just for them :)

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:25 — One Dollar Dog Toy (Visitor)
I live in LA and take my 80lb dog with me everywhere. Often she is tied up waiting for me patiently and calmly. She is now 7yrs old and although I worry about theft but not many people will try to steal a 80lb dog. I think it is more of a concern for puppies and smaller dogs? What do you guys think?

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:07 — Terry (Visitor)
I think people who want to sell dogs to labs or use dogs for bait would steal an 80 pound dog. I would never leave my dog tied up outside. Would you leave your child tied up outside?

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:27 — Jan (Visitor)
REALLY_ What is wrong with people? Why are they turning everything into a negative- arguing & fighting on a thread about pet theft. Great informative article- Thank you! Smarten Up!

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:36 — Damaris Massanet (Visitor)
Rebecca, did you really pay $1200 for a dog? For what? Do you have your dog so that you can bask in the "glory" of having expensive "things," just like a car or a mansion, or you have a dog to love and take care of him/her? You make me want to throw up. As a rescuer for 15 years, I know this is the type of mentality that promotes overpopulation and killing of animals in the shelters. There are so many dogs dying in the shelters and in the streets that will give you as much love as your $1200 dog. A dog IS NOT AN OBJECT to show your friends how much money you have. It makes me sick to my stomach.

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 12:30 — Rebecca (Visitor)
Actually, I've had rescue dogs all my life. This is the first purebred dog that I've ever owned. I don't "bask in the glory of expensive things" I drive a 14 year old car for God's sake. What I don't do however is tell people they make me want to vomit for their choices. You make me sick because you're small minded and basically a jerk. You don't know me, you don't know my dog, my situation, WHY I went to a breeder instead of the local shelter. (Which I did, several times, and they didn't have any small dogs, which was all I could get if I was going to live in my apartment, and if you must know, because you bask in other people's pain the same way you think I bask in the "glory of expensive things" I had lost my 2 year old neice and my fiance in a matter of 2 years. I was at a very low place in my life and I needed something to keep me going. A dog was the best way for me to do that. I looked for months, and cried everyday for those dogs, so kiss off honey. I finally had to turn to an expensive breeder so that I could have the small dog that I NEEDED at that point in my life.) I don't tell anyone what my dog costs. I put the number up there so that some dbag would consider stealing my dog would know that GRAND THEFT a crime.) I don't have to justify myself to you. Get over yourself, I'm sure you've done nothing wrong in your life. Actually, I see your halo from here. My bad.

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 13:52 — Emily (Visitor)
Actually, it's people like you who make ME sick. You're a judgemental jerk who knows nothing about the poster. I don't think this person was bragging about what they spent. I think, if I'm reading it right, that it was an attempt to show that your "Rescue" of a dog out of a car might be considered grand theft, especially in state where dogs are property and not given more rights than most starving kids in this country. So get over yourself. You know nothing about this person, so back off. It's people like you who make people go to pet stores to get dogs. At least that way they won't have to be told they cant adopt a dog because you don't like the size of their yard, the location of their house, the color of their eyes...or that you think you have the right to take a dog from someone if you don't think they're doing a good enough job. Some people just want something to love. Some people, like you, are just filled with hate. I feel badly for you actually that you have so much hatred and so little compassion in your life. I'll pray for you.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:38 — lab-lover4life (Visitor)
Honestly, after reading most of these posts, I'm more afraid of you dog activists and so-called "dog-rescuers" than I am of the actual criminals who take pets for resale or bait use in dog fighting. To all the dog activists and so-called "dog-rescuers" out there: You are not professionals nor should you act like it and take matters into your own hands. Call the real professionals if you see a problem. And as for those who are worried about someone napping their pooch: Be smart. If you think there is a risk then do what you can to eliminate this risk. But understand there is only so much you can do and a small risk may always be there (ie. we can't control a robbery on our house which might involve our pooch).

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:39 — Sheri Skinner (Visitor)
Everyone, while I appreciate you all talking about rescuing a dog from a hot car or from a chain in the horrid heat as being 'theft', in many cases it is a 'last resort' thing to do... I've been doing rescue for a long time, and there are MANY stories of *repeated* calls to A/C and police by neighbors or passers by witnessing acts of animal neglect & cruelty (chaining in heat & locking in hot car both qualify)--and sometimes days go by without ANYTHING getting done, and the animal continues to suffer (and sometimes dies)... You can find cases like this all over the internet by doing a quick search, and it happens in all parts of the country. If I saw a dog suffering in a hot car, I would call A/C -- but if they didn't respond within a very few minutes, I would do whatever needed to get the dog out... not for the purpose of 'stealing' or 'selling' the dog, but to save the dog's LIFE! Anyone who does REAL rescue is not out to 'make a buck', but to help prevent unnecessary animal pain, fear, suffering, and death.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:49 — Jan (Visitor)
I agree Sheri - and REAL RESCUERS do not get on threads and blow their own horns! They rescue because it is the right thing to do!

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 11:08 — Sheri Skinner (Visitor)
I was saying I've been doing this for a long time and have experience with/have heard about the non-response of A/C to distress calls, I wasn't trying to blow my own horn... I apologize if it came across that way, it's all about the animals and keeping them safe...

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 13:29 — Janice (Visitor)
I'm Sorry - you're confused what I meant, or I didn't say it right- I was refering to the previous comments that upset me so much about taking dogs that are tied outside a store, etc... saying that they were "rescuing" a dog! If you don't agree with what someone else is doing (and the animal is not in immediate danger/distress)... educate. I have to say my husband and I passed judgement on some neighbours of ours. Suddenly a dog house, run and large white dog appeared in their yard, everyday we walked our dogs past, we spoke to the dog and made friends with him, all the time complaining that regardless of the weather- this poor dog was outside. Well, my husband and I watched for weeks, the weather was getting colder and my husband was preparing to say something to the owners, about why wasn't a member of the family. Well, one day while walking or dogs, we met this woman and as she walked with us- we passed the house with the big white dog, she told us how the man who lived there, found out that this dog had lived it's entire 7 years tied to a dog house in a backyard, how he had knocked on the door and asked for the dog. How he had rescued this dog and was working very hard with this dog, but was having trouble housebreaking. And how he worked opposite hours than my husband and myself, so he was home during the day and the dog was inside with him, while we were at work. Long Story - short...We misjudged him, now this dog lives inside with his new owner and has a lovely life. We jumped to conclusions without knowing the whole story. Wouldn't it have been terrible to have said something or "rescued' the big, white dog. I certainly learned a lesson. People who, truly rescue animals- do it for the right reason (like you). They are not judge and jury handing out sentences, taking someone else's pet. As for Theo- I am heartbroken, I wish someone had helped him!

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