Owner Hopes Warning on Pet Thefts Prevents Grief for Others
www.thetandd.com
By LEE HENDREN and RICHARD WALKER
December 21, ORANGEBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA--Tis the season ... for dognappings.
That's the cautionary message offered by a pet owner who feels very fortunate to get his pair of cocker spaniels back after they went missing Wednesday.
The dogs, which were wearing ID tags, were dropped off at a nearby residence Saturday. "They were in good shape and weren't harmed in any way," said Daryl Cates of Garden Gate Florists.
Their return ended a frantic search that included contacting the animal control office and the county animal shelter, and finding out the theft was far from an isolated incident. "They told me that, especially during the holidays, people have a tendency to pick up dogs," Cates said. "Everybody wants a puppy for the holidays."
Although he knew that thieves target some breeds for their hunting or fighting skills, "I didn't realize that small dogs are in demand," Cates said.
Puppies and kittens are reported missing each holiday season, Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams said Monday. About half a dozen reports are made with the sheriff's office each year, the sheriff said, adding that the actual number may be higher.
"It's unfortunate, especially when the family has gotten this puppy for a small child or to be given as a gift," Williams said.
Cates said he has noticed "all around (his neighborhood) there have been lots of signs and flyers about missing dogs."
"Sometimes people will stop by the animal shelter and leave a flyer in the office," said Linda Heffner, president of the Maude Schiffley chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Police say they can help, too. They're currently looking into the disappearance of a Norway man's Rottweiler pup reported missing Friday. The man said his dog was chained up in his front yard, but went missing around 10:30 a.m.
"We do look into these incidents," Williams said. "Pets are like family members, and we investigate every animal complaint."
Cates related a story he'd heard that, about a mile away from his residence, a dog owner had seen thieves put his dog into their car. The owner jumped into his car and chased the thieves until they stopped and let his dog out, before making their getaway empty-handed.
While this incident turned out well, Heffner cautioned people against taking the law into their own hands, such as trespassing on private property to retrieve an animal that is believed to have been stolen.
Heffner recommended contacting animal control or another law enforcement agency or a magistrate. "You need to let everybody know" about the dog thefts, Cates said. "If more people are aware that leaving your animal outside unattended is probably not a good idea, maybe this will save some families some grief."
In order to help ensure a child will receive his or her puppy Christmas morn, or to keep your puppy safe long after the holidays, police suggest that an ID collar be made for the pet, obtain paper documentation if possible and take pictures of the "family member," Williams said.
"You should always have identification on your dog, whether it's a rabies tag or an ID tag you send off for," Heffner said. "You can have your dog or cat micro-chipped, so that even if somebody takes your dog and sells it, if it ends up in a shelter or veterinarian's office, they can scan it" and determine the rightful owner.
And by all means, don't leave your pet readily accessible to be taken by those with ill intent. "Make it as difficult as you can for them," Heffner said.
Williams said he was entering a convenience store recently and watched as a man tied his terrier's leash to a pole outside the store. Anyone could have walked away with the man's dog.
"And he was a precious little puppy too," Williams said.
Cates asked people not to buy a dog unless they are confident that it was not stolen from its rightful owner.
Heffner said people who are selecting a pet should consider size, temperament and activity level when selecting a breed.
As far as places to look for a pet, Heffner suggested consulting with veterinarians, contacting reputable breeders and visiting the animal shelter. "Obviously, if they go to a shelter, they're saving a life."
