In the past month I've read about 3 dogs stolen in my community, all pure breds and young. A small boxer was stolen from her garden, the thief breaking through fencing. Another dog was stolen while it was tied up outside a supermarket (this one was eventually recovered after money was paid, I expect to the thief). A cocker was stolen from a car, the window was forced down.

My question is - what are these dogs being stolen? Is there really a market for young pure breds -- no questions asked? I live in a community where most people could afford to pay for a bure bred, if that's what they really wanted. I just do not understand the motivation behind the crime.

Stacey

Oh yes, there's definitely a market. Pups get sold in pubs etc, no questions asked. There's always a buyer if you know the right places to look for them.
:(

"I just do not understand the motivation behind the crime"

Money.
It is becoming increasingly common for dogs to be stolen and held for 'ransom'. Most people will offer a financial reward for the return of their pet and people are now taking advantage of this. I hate to think what happens to the animals where no reward is offered.

I have read about people stealing dogs for puppy farms.As long as it's a pure bred and has the necesary "bits" they will breed from them.When I was a child I had a cat go missing,we later discovered that there had been lots of thefts of cats to sell to animal research facilities,I know they don't need any pedigree etc to be experimented on but another motivation.I am always very careful about leaving my pup anywhere and if you have read a recent post by me about a local lady being slashed for her pedigree Bulldog you will know they will do more than just steal your dog!It's a very scary world out there!!

oh Hazel, i think that was a bit of an old wives tale....I know a bit about research animals/labs & they certainly dont take them off the street like that! (Presuming you are in the UK of course)

Hi Sam,
Yes I'm in the UK.This is going back a few years.I must admit that to tell a 7 year old her cat has been taken for animal experiments could be regarded as a bit cruel(I still haven't forgiven my mum for telling me that).But saying that a very unusually large number were taken from the area in a short period-perhaps for fur?
I have come to terms with it now but I must admit I don't know what's worse!!
Hazel

Dont forget all the greyhound, lurchers and "lanky" dogs which are stolen for hunting and illegal racing :(

Sometimes they are stolen to be sold on or bred from if they are discovered to be unspayed. They are stolen to be thrown to fighting dogs in training as easy bait. An elderly dog near here and belonging to someone I know was stolen and tortured before being killed (maybe just for kicks!).
And more recently in the media - DNA tests are showing that some of the cuddly toys etc...on sale is made from dog fur which has created another market for man's best friend.
Who knows what's in someone's mind :(.
All the more reasons to make sure you dog is as secure as possible, well identified through tattoo, microchip or both, and that you have recent photographs available to help people assist in their safe return if possible.
Lara x

Lara
I too was going to add about the fur trade although that applies to ANY dog ( or cat)and not specifically to pedigrees :(
Lel

I guess money is at the root of it, however it is gained. I would have thought that the RSPCA or NCDL would lobby the government for more pressure on local authorities to find and prosecute these thieves. Beginning with recognising them as thefts and not just lost or missing dogs. Given the number of dogs that appear to be stolen in my area, the reported crime rate would take a leap up if that were the case.

Stacey