Dog Thefts on the Rise
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The outbreak of unusual dognappings looks to be part of an overall rise in canine theft. According to Shine, the American Kennel Club has found the number of reported dog thefts has greatly increased.
The AKC came to this conclusion by comparing the reports made over the same seven-month period in 2011 and 2010. During this period in 2011, 224 dogs were reported stolen, while in 2010 the number was only 150.
RELATED: Animal Legal Advice
To fight this trend, the AKC is stressing that dog owners do not leave their pets unattended in yards or outside of stores. Another option is buddying up with other dog owners to ensure there is always someone to watch your pets.
The issue isn't solely the woe of pet owners. Pet stores are seeing a rise in dog theft as well, with thieves usually working in pairs so one can distract the employee.
Officials believe that the economy is partially responsible for the increase in canine theft. Many thieves steal purebred dogs, and sell them online or demand ransoms from the owners.
RELATED: Summer Pet Problems Solved
Representatives from the AKC are reminding dog owners to be on high alert. It is important to have your pets microchipped, and to keep an eye on them when out in public, especially at dog parks and stores.
See Amazing Pet Reunion Stories:

The AKC came to this conclusion by comparing the reports made over the same seven-month period in 2011 and 2010. During this period in 2011, 224 dogs were reported stolen, while in 2010 the number was only 150.
RELATED: Animal Legal Advice
To fight this trend, the AKC is stressing that dog owners do not leave their pets unattended in yards or outside of stores. Another option is buddying up with other dog owners to ensure there is always someone to watch your pets.
The issue isn't solely the woe of pet owners. Pet stores are seeing a rise in dog theft as well, with thieves usually working in pairs so one can distract the employee.
Officials believe that the economy is partially responsible for the increase in canine theft. Many thieves steal purebred dogs, and sell them online or demand ransoms from the owners.
RELATED: Summer Pet Problems Solved
Representatives from the AKC are reminding dog owners to be on high alert. It is important to have your pets microchipped, and to keep an eye on them when out in public, especially at dog parks and stores.
See Amazing Pet Reunion Stories:
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20 Comments
I am the type of person that would not hurt a bug. Really, I will take a cricket or moth outside if it gets trapped in the house. However someone that will hurt an animal, especially a dog, I could unload my husbands 38 on their backsides and not think twice! And if it was my dog, I could dance in their blood!
August 09 2012 at 7:31 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI wish someone was stupid enough to mess with ANY of my Dogs who are Rottie full blood,, Rottie Shepherd mix, Rottie Dobbie mix. and last but not least Rottie Pitt mix. Come on down if you wanna mess with my yard,,,
August 09 2012 at 2:51 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyYou cant test on animals period!!!!! Antlerchews.com
August 09 2012 at 2:12 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI'll give you 500 dollars if they can pet my dog.
August 09 2012 at 1:39 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyMy family had two purebred English Staffy pups who got taken. Luckily, they were both returned by a couple who had obviously taken them, but the reward had outweighed their price on the market. But one had had his microchip removed- ripped out from under his skin with a blunt knife, by the looks of the tearing. It was horrendous, and the sorts of people who could do that to a 4 year old pup sicken me.
August 09 2012 at 1:18 AM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyI have been Fighting for Animal Rights for Decades. This is not a new problem. As long as Companies Test on Animals, This will continue. Major Companies here and abroad pay top dollar for certain Animals. They hire a Middle Man who hires the one to go and find. There is big money in this. Don't believe e, do some Research.
August 09 2012 at 12:01 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIt makes me furious when I read the stupid excuse that people are stealing dogs to resell or stealing statues or copper pipes to melt down "because of the economy." Theyr're common criminals and opportunists who want money the easy way. Decent people who hit hard times do not become heartless thieves.
August 08 2012 at 11:19 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyWorse than common criminals, they are the lowest dregs of the gutter.
August 09 2012 at 2:37 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyMy great pyrenees was stolen right out of my yard one night. Fortunately, his thieves didn't know that breed can climb ten foot fences. He traveled all the way back to us, with injuries in his paws from the barbed wire at the top of wherever they kept him fenced, damaged hips from the landing, and rail thin!
August 08 2012 at 11:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThank goodness he found his way home to his obviously loving family!
August 09 2012 at 3:06 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyPretty sad when you steal someone's puppy. What about their little girl crying at night because her new puppy was stolen? Those thieves have no honor at all.
August 08 2012 at 10:54 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down ReplyI HATE thieves!!! They have no soul, don't care who they hurt, are selfish and so stupid they can't figure out how to earn it for themselves and have to take it from other's who work hard for what they have. Thieves ought to be shot on sight just like it was in the old West, it was a hanging offense to steal a horse, or anything else for that matter.
August 08 2012 at 10:35 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply