PUBLIC PROTEST AGAINST DOG THEFT

SUNDAY 19TH FEBRUARY, 1PM

BANDSTAND, HYDE PARK, LONDON

DOGS AGAINST THEFT

An impromptu demonstration by dogs and owners who recognise the increase in dog theft and dog-napping in the UK.

The Chihuahua Meetup organised for this Sunday has become a meeting of everyone who is concerned about the safety of their dog.

From Paris Hilton look-alikes to staffies and mongrels, there is a growing industry in the UK and Ireland in dog trading and extortion for rewards.

At the end of a very nasty trade, unsuspecting people are often paying large amounts of money for a dog who is being desperately sought by the people who brought it up and are ready to do anything to get their loved one back home.

It has to stop.

Press contact: Lori MacKellar Publicity, 07961 156 877, lorimack@gmail.com

I can't imagine the low life who steal dogs being in the least concerned about a public protest so not sure what they're trying to acheive. Is the object to bring this to the attention of the media etc and put pressure on the police to do more? The problem is as we all know the police are already sadly overstretched, in the last few weeks I've had cause to contact them three times - the last time I called them was about 15 years ago. Anyway, 1st instance a few weeks ago was a guy poking the power transformers on an electricity pylon with a pole next to the field where I was walking the dogs. I was concerned for his safety, called the police, held in a queue that informed me I could dial 999 if an emergency (didn't think it was until he got zapped then I could dial 999 for ambulance) or I could send them an email! Next time was last week, couldn't get my car out of driveway to go to work, called police who pretty much told me they had better things to do, went round all neighbours and eventually just had to wait - was 1 1/2 hours late for work   Third time last Sunday, crowd of kids outside throwing stones, bottles at my eldery neighbours windows - they had been playing football in her garden earlier and she had chased them. Went out with beastly dog to chase them off, they went round block then appeared in neighbours back garden. The hassle went on for several hours. Called police - never arrived! I can see the point of trying to educate people to be careful about buying dogs but on the other hand might other unscrupulous characters see this protest and think of a new way to make money

Agree with chaumsong here although I can always see the benefit of a gathering of like-minded people to air their concerns about something. But to have an effective demonstration you have to have both a cause and someone (or a "corporate" someone) associated with that cause who could make a difference. The war in Iraq and ban on hunting being classic examples where the demonstraters wanted to send a clear message to politicians who could vote against proposed action Government action.

In this case the pondlife who steal dogs aren't going to be the slightest bit bothered about a demonstration and the police already know the anguish that dog-napping causes. However, they will always point out that they have to prioritise their activities and that, when push comes to shove, the public at large won't actually tolerate being told that crimes like murder have to be put on the back burner because the police are too busy investigating the theft of a dog. So yes, you could demonstrate against Government spending on law and order but there'd be a heck of a queue in front of you. Starting, I suspect, with people whose lives are made a misery by anti-social behaviour.

It is better to do this than nothing at all. This will make more people aware to what is going on ;)

It might save a few dogs getting kidnapped which is better than none ! :)

I worry that it might put ideas into other people's heads. :(

I am sure the Insurance companies would be backing anything to do with preventing this as I wonder how much they have to pay out for missing dogs ? How much does this affect our premiums :rolleyes::rolleyes:

I know what you are saying JG but what else can be done ? Apart from public flogging of a few of the criminals that have been caught what else ? :)