Pet napping Cases Rise as Economy Falls

With the current economic challenges, desperate criminals are turning to other methods to make money. They are stealing high valued pets and selling them on the pet “black market”. The American Kennel Club reports that pet thefts are up, but notes that there is no way to tell exact numbers because these thefts are classified as property theft.

The most common breeds that are targeted include expensive looking purebreds, toy group breeds and puppies. Pet nappers realize the street value of these dogs and become more willing to take pets when they can fetch $1500 per dog.

Pet thieves use many different methods to steal expensive pets, so it is important to protect your pet from these would be hooligans. Some will pose as potential buyers of puppies in order to survey your home, only to break in later to steal them. Let only serious buyers or people you trust into your home to view puppies for sale. Other thieves will simply take a dog that is tied up outside a store, while the owner is running errands.

Here are some tips to follow to help protect your pet:
• Have your pet tattooed or microchiped
• Never leave your pet unattended in your yard or tied up in front of a store or business
• Be wary of strangers entering your home view to puppies before purchase
• Take note of unusual vehicles or people loitering in your neighborhood