People love dogs…and purebred dogs are a favorite. Thieves are no different. Dognappings are on the rise with the economic downturn. In the first five months of 2008, the American Kennel Club noted three times as many dog thefts as the year before.
Purebred or designer pups can cost thousands of dollars. And many are small enough to grab up & put in a jacket without anyone noticing. Toy breeds, puppies, and purebred dogs that look expensive or unusual are the most vulnerable. Among the stolen breeds tracked by the AKC in 2008 are Yorkshire terriers, poodles, Pomeranians, shih tzu & bulldogs, to name a few. With so many websites & other outlets where you can sell a dog, many people won’t ask questions if they can buy a designer pup for half the going rate. But not only are the dogs being sold, they’re also being stolen to claim rewards, & given as gifts. Around the holidays are prime dognapping times.
It seems that dognapping is a crime of opportunity. With the economy the way it is today, anything that can bring in money is fair game. And with many breeds of dog going for thousands, sadly stealing an unattended dog is a no-brainer.
