Pet Theft

Pet theft is a serious problem involving 2 million dogs and cats stolen every year in the US. Only 2% are ever found and returned.

Pets are used in animal research, as prey to train in dogfighting, and for breeding in puppy-mills. The high demand for animals in medical research has created a multi-million dollar market for stolen dogs and cats.

Class "B" dealers, in addition to buying pets from auctions, animal shelters and flea markets and stealing them form backyards, also respond to "Free to Good Home" ads.

Whether pets are sold to research facilities, as bait for dogfighting, or for puppy-mills, their pain and misery only ends with death.

What you can do to protect your pet:

• Do not use "Free to Good Home" ads to find a home for your pet or litters.
• Do not give your pet away without first checking the adoptive home.
• Identify your pet with a tag, microchip or tattoo.
• If possible, do not let your pet be visible from the street.
• Lock your gate.
• Do not let your pet roam free in the neighborhood.
• Walk your pet on a leash.
• Do not leave your pet tied outside a store while you shop.
• Let neighbors know about the pet theft problem and post warnings in your community.
• Notify the Police of any suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

For more information on the pet theft problem visit:
www.LCAnimal.org
www.HSUS.org
www.IDAusa.org

Where to call if your animal is lost:

• Local animal control, SPCA, local animal shelters, and rescue groups. You would need to go to the shelter as soon as you can. Your local shelter and animal control numbers are listed in the government section (blue pages) of your phone book. For rescue groups check our list.
• List your lost pet with the Pet Club of America 1-800-666-5678. This national non-profit pet-finding agency networks widely to recover your pet www.petclub.org/foundpets.htm.