Dog owners warned as pets go missing

Dog owners warned as pets go missing

25 September 2013

CONCERN is growing about an increase in the number of dogs being stolen in parts of the district.

Dogs have been reported missing in the Ardglass, Saul and Raholp areas, with fears mounting that the animals are being lifted by people involved in organised dog fights.

Some owners whose pets have gone missing believe the animals may also have been taken to puppy farms for breeding purposes.

One concerned owner who contacted the Recorder said those involved in stealing the dogs are leaving marks on fences close to homes where there is a family pet.

They believe the mark is designed to inform those involved in stealing the animals where they can find them.

The owner, who did not want to be identified, said the PSNI is concerned at the spate of animal thefts and has warned people to make sure their dogs are safe.

Police are also investigating claims that a white Transit van was seen acting suspiciously in the Ardglass area recently with a person who was in the vehicle reportedly lifting a dog and putting it in the rear.

Two dogs have also been reported missing from the Saul and Raholp area. One is a Beagle, while the other is a female black Labrador. The Labrador has been spayed and microchipped and her name is Daisy. She was wearing a red collar when she went missing.

The concerned owner who contacted the Recorder said the three dogs lifted locally have not been seen for over four weeks and their owners have been driving along country roads in a bid to find them.

“We believe there are thugs out there stealing dogs and either taking them to puppy farms or using the animals for illegal dog fighting. We also believe the dogs may have been stolen to used as some form of bait,” the owner continued.

“People need to know what is going on so they can make sure their dogs are safe. Owners should keep them in the house and never leave them alone in a vehicle, not even for a moment.”

The concerned owner is advising people who have dogs to make sure gates to their properties are closed to prevent the animals from being stolen.

“These thugs are marking fences and gates close to family homes to let others know that there are dogs in the area. People need to be extremely vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.

“No one wants to see any harm coming to these lovely family pets. The missing dogs have been reported to police with the information passed to local vets and staff at local dog pounds.”