Dognapping On the Rise—Protect Your Pet

I keep one in my car and if I absolutely have to stop they go in there, zipped up, go with me and it's all good. Many people think it's a baby! well I guess they are fur babies.

One of my dogs loves to go for rides in the car. He knows it means we are going somewhere fun. I never leave him or any of my dogs in the car. I'm sure if someone stole my dog, they would be paying me to take him back. All kidding aside. It's a crime to leave dogs in cars in the hot whether in California, but even if it wasn't, I would never do it. Taking them in the stores is most of the fun. I'm glad the information is out about the thefts. I will be sure to let my other doggy friends know.

We had a close call a couple yrs ago; when our black lab mix was outside in the front yard tied up to do his duty, a van pulled up along the side of our yard to check him out. Luckily I was standing on the front porch, which is enclosed, and watched this incident happen. Had I not been there at that time, he would've been dognapped!

to all you who love your dog and don't want him to feel bad when you leave, consider how the dog feels when he is suffering and dying from heat stroke, and then leave the precious loving pet at home, please.

Here's a suggestion: if you wouldn't leave your toddler alone in the car or tied up in front of a store "for a few minutes," you probably shouldn't leave your dog there either.

Can someone tell me if cars really get hotter today than they did 50 years ago? Dogs and cars did quite well together then even in Arizona -- granted most of us didn't live with air conditioning then and only a few had air conditioning in cars and most animals spent the majority of their time outside. Is it us and the dogs who have gotten wimpier or do cars truly get hotter? Just curious. Don't have a dog now, it seems like they aren't very welcome most places and different sets of rules are applied in different places.

I know it can happen anywhere. But I lived in NYC & it was rampant to see dogs tied to a pole, hydrant...wherever the leash would be secure as owners went shopping, lunch... Some dogs would look hopefully at the store for owner. Some moaned & cried. However, most were *super *friendly to **ANYONE who came up to them and petted. I found this a more than irresponsible horror. It was obvious the dogs were well-cared for, loved. What was with the owners? Trusting? Naive? Clueless? NYC is large, but it is important to to remember that it is a "small town." Meaning, neighborhoods where people knew each other, lived there for years, felt safe. For example, the Upper East Side, relatively "well-off" residents, most felt very safe. They had all kinds of dogs, with a majority being kennel club variety. Although we know ALL dogs can be stolen, for whatever purpose, these dogs meant big $$$$ resale. But in my mind was the image of these loving, trusting dogs stolen for hideous reasons: dog fighting (fighters & bait), torture, selling for fur/meat (brutal, most skinned alive)... As said, these dogs were friendly, to **ANYONE. So easy to snatch & run. Signs should be put on the street, "DO NOT LEAVE ANIMAL UNATTENDED." Signs in stores: "NO ANIMALS ALLOWED," MEANS LEAVE YOUR FAMILY PET AT HOME!

All of this is most disturbing, what a world...how can you travel with your dog on a long crosscountry, without leaving her even for five minutes while you go to the bathroom? I am a new owner and these articles are making me sick! These people suck!

I recently "found" a nice park and decided to take my Golden with me next time I walked there. Well, I walk a lot so it seemed like a short walk to me. She was so excited. We got about half way around and she's clearly fading. I starting looking for shorter ways back to the car. Now she's panting like crazy. Yes, I had water but she wouldn't touch it. Now I'm scared. I thought of tying her up and driving the car closer. It was early in the morning and hadn't gotten too hot yet so I really thought we were going to be OK. We made it back but I was concerned that someone would steal her if I left her (she's VERY friendly) and we had slowed to a crawl. It was a scary moment and made me think more about her physical condition. I know I was stupid. Believe me I felts o guilty for not considering what I would do if it was too long of a distance for her. Now we stick to walks in the neighborhood. She's not overweight; she's 10 years old and though she still acts like a pup, she's not.

I used to move quite often and my 2 Siamese where probably the best travelled cats on the planet. One thing to keep in mind is that these guys are much, much less heat tolerant that humans. in conditions where I would just roll down the window a little if I were by myself I would have to turn the AC on (and wear a sweater) because the cats would be too hot. Other then that and the fact that I had to leave them "free to move around" in the car (not in a crate) they seemed to like the car. I realize this is dangerous(and I am not yalking about spilling their drinking water), and I drove extra carefully but having them in a crate for 2 weeks was not an option. We went from Houston to Seattle via Arizone-California rout number 1 (moving and sight seeing). A different hotel every night... or a camp ground: no problem, they were just curious all the time. I guess even cats, when are well "bonded" with their human are fine wherever as long as they are with you. However, they did VERY poorly when left at a "spa for cats", no matter how nice the accomodations and the people... actually I was told once that they would not be welcome back another time...!!

I'm in Michigan and there have been several incidents of cars being broken into and dogs stolen. One incident was while the owner was having a cup of coffee with a friend and the car was parked by the window so they could watch the dogs. The thieves broke the window and got the dogs before the owner could get to them. There have also been two incidents where older people were walking their dogs in their neighbor and thieves with guns stop and demand the dogs or the owner will be shot. I take my dog with me but only leave her in the car if I'm really going to be a minute and can see her the entire time I'm in the establishment. If we have a day of drive thru errands - bank, etc. she goes. I've never been as cautious as I've been lately.

Besides people taking dogs, you have to be careful. Cyotes and hawks are stealing small pets. Please don't leave pets unattended.

It is DUMB to leave your pet outside a store, or in a car period. People steal and sell them to labs or as bait. I can't believe people defending this stupidity.Humans cannot be trusted with animals.

p.s. if it's too hot or too cold I would not leave her long in the car.

This is about "theft" of specifically, dogs left in cars. Using "common" sense doesn't seem to be an option for some people! They want to please their dogs! Dog nappers know it and act upon that ignorance! So, as always, some advice is often wasted on those people!

The subject matter from the ASPCA was pet theft and how it has increased over the last year. Everyone got on the subject of how much their pet loved going along in the car and how they would never leave their pet in a hot car. These people who steal pets are professionals and are doing it for money, can grab you beloved pet in seconds and be on their way and your pet will never be seen again. Of course they are not stupid enough to pick out a German Shepard or a Pit Bull, they are going to take a small or medium size dog that won't put up a big fight or a big bite out of them. Subject Matter: Pet Theft.

Fortunately I live in a city where the Police are extremely sympathetic to animals left in cars. They are also very sympathetic to people who act in case of emergency, consequently I have actually broken car windows to release animals near death. Once the irresponsible owner appeared, the Police advised them of the law and the consequences they faced and I was never endangered by such owners. Would I do it again? Oh yes, Oh yes I would and may have to. As far as my own companions are concerned, my philosophy remains as ever: BETTER BORED AT HOME THAN DEAD IN THE CAR!

Another good way to protect your pet is to get them tattood. Dogs that are tattood and or microchipped are returned faster

My biggest fear is that someone breaks into our yard to get to my fur babies. They are mid-sized breeds, not little; but one of them was already rescued from a dog fighting ring. I worry that some evil minded person has seen us walking, watched to see where we live and might want to snatch him for that purpose. Even worse, my female is NOT a bully breed at all and is 13.5 yrs old. If she wear stolen and used for bait...I shiver at the thought. Our back gate is locked and we never let them out in the yard unless we are home. No free-for-all dog doors.

Why are dogs stolen? Do thieves steal dogs adopted from shelters? Do they steal bling-bling toys manufactured by companion-animal factories? If we stop mindlessly proliferating the powerless and voiceless for our egoistic use and abuse, I bet the # of stolen dogs would go near zero. // Jean Clelland-Morin

PUT YOURSELF IN A WARM CAR EVEN WITH WINDOWS CRACKED-- IN A VERY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME AND SEE HOW U FEEL.NOW THINK, HOW YOUR DOG WOULD FEEL? I HAVE A BOXER DOG( SHORT SNOUT) THESE BREEDS HAVE PROBLEMS KEEPING COOL IN WARMER TEMPS.

In June, I was leaving a grocery store and found 2 dogs left in car with windows down about 1 inch. It was 86 degrees. They were in distress. Found owners in store. Was polite and calm. They yelled at me. I went beside their car, called 911. Didn't touch anything or car. Owner came to car and started threatening me while I was giving police his plate number. Police told me to be quiet, not respond to him and walk away. I did. He followed a little way and kept shouting. Cops came about 1 min. after he left parking lot. They went looking for him. Days later was in local Humane Society. One of the dogs was there. Glad that I got involved but it could have turned out worse. Be Careful!

Why would leaving the pets at home be safer than taking them with you in the car???? If some one wanted your dog bad enough they could break into your home to steal them. when I take my dogs with me in the car or on a trip I park where I can keep an eye on them and if a stranger come near them they put up such a ruckus that would get the attention anyone within a city block. Usally one of us stays in the car with them and they are never left alone for long and never when it is hot outside. I don't even go out when it is too hot.

I see even though the article is mostly about leaving pets in cars. I would like to comment about bringing pets along for a ride. I had always heard about the dangers of being in a car accident with your pet and they could easily be injured or killed, run away or prevent help coming to you because they are trying to protect you from the EMTs when they arrive to help. They could be left behind if you are taken away by ambulance. Anyway, I recently happend upon a scene where the diabetic driver passed out as he approached a rather busy baseball park. His car flipped up on the sidewalk and he skidded some 50 feet. As I pulled up he was climbing out of the window holding his scared dog in his arms. Parking enforcement was there at the same moment (she was passing by) she warned me of the power line he just hit and to get out of the way. I put the man and his dog in my car and we moved to safety across the street. He had no lease or collar or tags at all on his dog. When the paramedics arrived they had to help him while he held his dog. He is lucky they let him hold onto his dog. His phone was in his car and he couldn't remember any phone #s he was too shook up. My point is this could have been much worse. Some might not agree with this but they now have animal carseats which is a good plan to protect your dog if they ride around a lot. Also, make sure they have ID on them as well as keep a leash with you. This could have turned out much worse so glad the man and his dog are okay. Now, on the subject of leaving pets in the car when you run an errand. Just don't do it! If you are going to the store leave your dog at home for their safety. Of course they want to come along to BE with you, not sit in the hot/cold car while you shop. I think everyone here agrees and are not doing that. Unfortunely, the ones doing it probably are not on this site.