ACCORDING to Hillcrest SAPS dognapping is a criminal offence and amounts to theft and owners who have had, not just dogs, but suspect any of their pets stolen should report their case/s to their nearest police station.
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Hillcrest SAPS communications officer, Cap Linzi Smith said, the most common reasons for stealing a dog/cat is to sell them, breeding purposes (more prestige pets) and perhaps claiming a reward.
“People don’t always check the history of their future pets, making it easier for stolen dogs to be sold for a profit,” she said.
Smith highlighted that dogs and cats are treated as properties of their owner and if stolen, it’s a criminal act.
“We are pleading to the community to treat this matter as serious and to please report and open cases. Without a criminal case being opened our hands are tied,” she said.
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According to Smith, posting the theft on social media is a great tool, but if perpetrators are caught, without a case being opened they cannot be charged and face justice.
“This crime trend is picking up throughout the country. The community needs to be aware of this criminal trend and be vigilant,” she said.
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