Here are some tips to help you keep your dog safe.
Thames Valley police is working closely with the public, counsillors and gamekeepers to help tackle the increase number of dogs being stolen in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
They are encouraging the public to report any incidents to help them gather intelligence on the criminals and help dogs get reunited with their owners.
It is heartbreaking having your family pet stolen, but for some gamekeepers this could have a big effect on their employment. Gundogs are highly valuable and there has been a rise stolen dogs reports.
Here are some tips on how you can keep your dog safe:
- Have your dog microchipped and with your name and address in the tag. Both of these requirements are now law in the UK. It is also handy to have your mobile number in the tag, in case someone picks up your lost dog.
- Do not leave your dog unsupervised in the garden or in the car.
- Do not let your children take the dog for a walk unsupervised.
- Look into getting your dog tattoed. The National Tattoo Register has more details.
- Do not tied your dog outside a shop or leave him unsupervised anywhere.
- Try to vary the places and times you walk your dog.
- Go out with friends and family, so that you are not on your own.
- Use an extending lead or a long line, if your dog’s recall is not good. You can also contact us for our dog training classes to help you along.
- If your dog lives in kennels, ensure they are padlocked and have high security. Consider installing CCTV.
- Pre-register your dog with DogLost, the UK’s largest lost and found dog service.