THE Kloof and Highway SPCA would like to remind the community to be extra vigilant and careful about the theft of dogs, which is still happening.
Last week, a female staffie cross, Nelly, which was adopted from the Kloof SPCA in July, was stolen from her home over the electric gates by an adult male in Winchelsea Avenue, Bluff.
The owner, Kyro Brower, posted her missing dog’s photo and info all over social media and made posters that were put up around the area.
The man who stole the dog tried to sell it for R300 to a man and said that he had found the dog in another area. The man realised that the dog belonged to someone and offered the seller a smaller amount of money, which he accepted as he was desperate.
The man who bought the dog then made enquiries and saw the missing posters which the owner had distributed, contacted the owner immediately and Nelly was reunited with her family, who were overjoyed to have their beloved pet home safe and sound.
According to Lisa Gadd, PRO for Kloof SPCA, any dog is in danger of being stolen regardless of breed, sex or age. Unsterilised males dogs are at bigger risk as there have been reports received of male dogs being lured to property fence lines with material smelling of the discharge of a female dog in season. Puppies and younger dogs are also at risk as they are far easier to handle.
“A stolen dog may end up living a miserable life and may be exposed to horrific cruelty and suffering. One of the worst possible fates for a stolen animal is to be used as bait for the training of dogs used for dog fighting. These dogs are attacked repeatedly by other dogs that are set on them by their trainers, in order to re-inforce their lust for blood and fighting. Sadly, the bait dog is unable to defend itself as usually its muzzle area is taped up with duct tape and it may also be restrained using different methods,” said Gadd.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA urges dog owners to help prevent their dogs from being stolen by:
1) Ensuring that your property is secure and that your dog is unable to escape or be lured outside your home.
2) Ensuring your dog is sterilised as sterilised animals are less likely to wander or to try and escape from their homes whilst females are in season. Most vets are able to sterilise animals from three months and upwards.
3) Ensuring that your dog has identification tags and preferably a microchip. A collar with an identification tag is easily removed.
4) Report any missing animals to your closest SPCA immediately and open a case of theft at the nearest SAPS if you have witnessed or have witnesses to confirm dog theft.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA can be contacted on 031 764 1212/3 or 073 335 9322 for after-hours emergencies.
