May 2021, FREE
DOG THEFT:
Could compulsory dog licences help?
& much more inside… Vet
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Could dog licences help in ght against pet theft?
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Vet
Dog theft is an increasing threat
By MARIE CARTER ROBB
because of lockdown, where people now have more time to spend with their new pets and We’re in the grip of a dog train them. But with that there theft epidemic, according to Incredibly, more than three come certain problems – the stats, as UK lockdowns million UK households have whether it’s an organised gang have seen a spike in the purchased a pet during the or loner with the opportunity to prices paid for dogs, but pandemic, according to a report get quick money, by simply what can be done? by the Pet Food Manufacturers’ stealing a dog and breeding. Compulsory dog licences Association (PFMA). could be one weapon in a “When you breed a dog, it can new armoury to protect the For all sorts of reasons, potentially have a litter of six to nation’s canines… including the price hike, eight puppies, the base price of criminal gangs have stalked our puppies has gone up at least Our furry best friends have dogs in ever greater numbers. 50%. For example, dachshund been hugely important during DogLost, a UK organisation and Labrador puppies 12 the last terrible year; they have that helps victims of dog theft, months ago were priced been our shoulder to cry on, has recorded a 170% increase in between £800 and £1,000; our comforting cuddle and, the crime, from 172 dogs in today it’s around £3,000. That perhaps most importantly, they 2019 to 465 dogs in 2020. means the earning potential have been our excuse to step from one litter of six to eight over the threshold of our front Simon Powell from Animal puppies could be anywhere doors for daily exercise. Even Search UK, explains what’s between £15,000 and £20,000. those formerly dog-less have, caused the surge in pet thefts: rightly or wrongly, acquired so- “Demand has skyrocketed
called ‘pandemic pups’ and prices have risen as a result of the spike in demand.
“Some even steal the dog with the intention to bring the dog back in return for a cash reward, as usually the owners are so upset and relieved to have their pet back, they hand them the money, and the police don’t usually get involved. Therefore, there is no proof.”
“The RSPCA maintains its view that the reintroduction of a dog licensing scheme would be beneficial to managing the social and animal problems associated with dog ownership.” The spokesperson added: “It is currently an animal’s monetary or sale value which is taken into account when determining the
punishment, and protect the public. The Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance (Sampa) will continue raising public awareness and lobbying the government until Pet Theft Reform is implemented.” A Kennel Club spokesperson added:
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So, what’s to be done? “We have always been The Government has in favour of tougher this month set up a “We would hope this month’s sentencing and Taskforce of experts stronger penalties for and government announcement of a pet theft pet theft and have officials to look into Taskforce isn’t an excuse to put urged the government what is causing pet theft and how to tackle e orts on the back burner and to to make pet theft a specific offence, so that it. However, we would delay real action.” it recognises the theft hope that isn’t an of a dog, or any pet for excuse to put efforts on sentence for pet theft, however, that matter, has impacts that the back burner and to delay we really want to see this far exceed any associated real action. changed, so that the animal’s financial loss.” intrinsic value to their owner is At a local level, considered. This would raise Dog licences? Nottinghamshire Police is the the category of the offence so first force to be proactive and The RSPCA has reinvigorated that there is greater certainty of appoint a specialist officer to its campaign to introduce prosecution and this in turn focus on the crime. Police and compulsory dog licences, which should help deter the crime.” animal charities and were scrapped in 1987. organisations are calling on the Dr Daniel Allen, founder of the government to vastly increase The spokesperson said: #PetTheftReform campaign the penalties, including fines “Compulsory dog licences have who took a petition calling for and, in some cases, the potential to generate money tougher sentencing to imprisonment. Organisations that could be used to help Parliament, is already working such as the RSPCA are not only improve dog welfare and tackle on the next steps in his calling for tougher penalties but the issues around dog campaign: “The rise in dog for the re-introduction of ownership. These include antithefts is driven by organised compulsory dog licences. social behaviour involving crime. We need Pet Theft dogs, dog bite incidents and Reform to give courts access to A spokesperson for the RSPCA stray dogs and could also appropriate custodial sentences explained: include pet theft. to act as a deterrent, provide
an enforcement problem then it bring together all the 15 would be even harder now. approved microchip databases so they share details and easier “As a comparison, my sister has to locate owners. Look at a lived in New Zealand for the microchip like a car insurance past 30 years where they have everything held is regulated by had dog licenses. Many dog the DVLA but it's for all the owners do not bother to buy many different insurances one and are only caught out if held.” the dog escapes and is picked However, Dog Lost, a free up and she says it does not in However, the RSPCA states national database of missing any way prevent dog theft. that dog licences are now dogs, counters that dog licences necessary because of the very would be “impossible” to “The present system of fact that microchipping has not enforce and instead suggests an microchips was introduced in had a universal take up. In overhaul of the current April 2016, but it still does not addition, revenue generated microchipping system to state prove ownership and has not from compulsory dog licences it proves ownership. prevented dog theft. What is could help fund dog welfare Jane Frankland explains: “Pet needed is a current shake up on initiatives. ownership has increased 20% the microchipping law to state since 1988 (*when licences it proves ownership. To have A spokesperson said: “A dog were scrapped), so if there was just one body to oversee and licensing scheme has the
“Dog licensing, like microchipping, would also make it easier to reunite a dog with their owner should they become lost or stolen. However, much like with microchipping it is reliant on the owner keeping their details up to date.”
The RSPCA cites the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw in Calgary, Canada, which requires all cats and dogs to be licensed with the revenue generated being used to deliver programmes and services including dog safety, public awareness and education. As a starting point, many are calling on the Home Secretary to adopt tougher sentences for dog theft - a dog should NOT be classed as property - and also give police more powers to enforce such laws. Dog Lost says that all dogs should also be legally chipped and puppies should be chipped by the breeder at the correct age before being sold on. After that, perhaps Priti Patel should finally look at whether a reintroduction of dog licences could help not only trace lost pets but also generate muchneeded funds to protect our nation’s canines. Time for action now, not later.
The RSPCA has issued guidelines to pet owners to be vigilant when taking their dogs for a walk (https:// www.independent.co.uk/ life-style/avoiddognapping-advice-dogsafe-b1825631.html)
Steps to follow if your dog has been stolen: 1. Firstly, check the local area and your dog’s favourite spots in case the dog has wandered o 2. Engage the local community and make your dog ‘too hot to handle’ by sharing with local groups, putting up posters, informing local media and using social media – include pictures and any distinctive marks. There are some speci c sites set up to help nd lost and stolen dogs, like doglost.co.uk. 3. Report your dog as stolen to the police and provide them with as much detail as possible 4. Report your dog as stolen to local pet related services like vets, animal shelters, pet shops, dog wardens and the council. Provide photos, a physical description and the dogs microchip number 5. Report your dog to the microchip database and make sure your contact details are up to date
READER QUESTION: Would you support the reintroduction of compulsory
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dog licences?
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potential to generate money that could be used to help improve dog welfare and tackle the issues around irresponsible dog ownership.”
One MP’s thoughts on the pet theft epidemic Gareth Johnson has been the Member of Parliament for Dartford since 2010. With his background as a solicitor, he has been a campaigner against animal cruelty and for tougher sentencing for pet theft. He hosted the rst Dog Theft Awareness Day in the Houses of Parliament in 2017. He is
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currently Parliamentary
Private Secretary for the
finally own the pet they have Foreign Secretary. Mr Johnson always wanted. No longer have holidays abroad, long working lives in Dartford with his family hours and social commitments and Golden Retriever Fred. given us a reason to put off pet Here, Gareth shares his views ownership and for many people on what needs to be done next. who live alone, they have come to realise the enormous benefit We have all seen our way of life that pet ownership brings in c h a n g e o v e r t h e p a s t 1 2 terms of companionship and in months, but for many the shift the case of dogs, having a to home working has provided reason to exercise. them with the opportunity to
Estimates are that 3.2 million households have purchased a pet in the last 12 months. Pets4Homes revealed that in 2020 requests for puppies for sale was up 104% compared to 2019. As demand has increased, so too have the opportunities for criminal gang’s keen to exploit those desperate to own a pet, but it is with dogs that the issue is most evident. Whilst dog theft has been an increasing problem for many years, this pandemic has undoubtedly exacerbated the problem.
making millions of pounds from puppy farming.
We are no longer dealing
with one o thefts, but well organised, well-resourced
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Whilst many dogs are stolen to be resold to new unwitting owners, many are stolen specifically to be bred and some, sadly to be fought. Many dogs bred in this way are done so in puppy farms, often in the most appalling of conditions and it is here that the link between dog theft and animal cruelty is so apparent. Puppy farms are typically extensive commercial operations where dogs are continually bred, and puppies sold. Reports of illegal puppy farming have risen five times in England in the last 10 years the RSPCA have reported. The RSPCA have recently revealed that they have uncovered large criminal gangs
As with any offence of theft, offences of dog theft are investigated by the police and I have campaigned for many then taken to court and years for tougher sentencing for prosecuted by the Crown dog theft. At the moment, the Prosecution Service (CPS). guidelines that courts follow However, at present the same is when sentencing people for dog not the case for offences of animal cruelty, which are investigated and prosecuted by the RSPCA. My concern is that as the connection between these two offences increases, there is the theft, require them to consider potential for there to be missed the financial value of the 'item' opportunities if the crimes are stolen, if the item is of low investigated and prosecuted value, custody is not within the independently. The criminal consideration of the court. This networks behind these offences part of the problem can be are organised and professional easily solved through the and to be able to prevent these Sentencing Guidelines Council offences we need an effective reviewing the guidelines to system in place. ensure that where the theft of a family pet is involved, its The RSPCA have indicated that monetary value is irrelevant to they are exploring transferring the sentence. prosecutions to the CPS and I
criminals.
We are no longer dealing with one off thefts, but well organised, well-resourced criminals. Whilst we need to ensure those that steal dogs are sent to prison, we need to ensure that the link between dog theft and animal cruelty not only properly investigated, but also prosecuted.
believe this would be a very welcome move for a number of reasons. The criminal networks behind these offences are organised and professional and to be able to prevent these offences we need an effective system in place.
The RSPCA have indicated that cases, whilst wholly and the abuse they suffer plays they are exploring transferring worthwhile, tended to focus on a major part in the prosecution prosecutions to the CPS and I isolated cases of mistreatment process. believe this would be a very or neglect rather than looking welcome move for a number of at the more sophisticated The RSPCA are experts in this reasons. The role of the RSPCA organised networks of field. The route the RSPCA at present is both one of criminals that we know commit wish to take is that the CPS will investigator and prosecutor. these offences. With the deal with the legal processes Whilst the relationship between Government committed to and the RSPCA will be the CPS and the Police can at increasing prison sentences for responsible for the investigative times be difficult, the serious perpetrators of animal work. This is the relationship separation of the two means cruelty from six months to five the CPS currently have with the that there is more scope for years we have a real police and it would be the best review and objectivity. Where opportunity to get to grips with option. one body is both investigator those who routinely abuse and prosecutor, not only is animals, such as those involved Now that we have left the some of the European Union, we can dynamic lost, but put in place stronger Now that we have left the some would argue border checks for puppy that there is less smuggling. Previously, to European Union, we can put oversight as to the bring pet animals into the type of cases being UK you had to do it under in place stronger border prosecuted. the EU Pets Travel checks for puppy smuggling. Scheme. This scheme Prior to becoming raised concerns by the an MP, I worked in RSPCA that it was being in the smuggling and farming the Court Service for many abused to import puppies of dogs. years. It was routine for the illegally and that many puppies RSPCA to instruct local were hidden and smuggled into The RSPCA accept that this solicitors to prosecute cases for the UK. change in the law will place them. This always struck me as more pressure on the charity a particularly expensive way to The pandemic has increased and that the changing nature of prosecute cases and one where crimes against animals, and we animal cruelty offences means the view of the RSPCA as client need to make sure the they may no longer be best took precedent over that of the legislation and processes are in placed to deal with instructed solicitor. Despite the place to protect them. prosecutions. efforts of many of the private firms, they did not have the Chris Sherwood, Chief expertise that the CPS have, Executive of the RSPCA has both in relation to the quality of spoken of the huge advocacy, but also the responsibility the change places evidential burden that falls on on the charity's shoulders. Of prosecutors. The majority of course, knowledge of animals
Tony Knight, an internationally-acclaimed Dog Listener and trainer, responds to a reader question on why parents should always ask before allowing children to pet dogs...
Vet
Tony Knight, an
inevitable death of aforementioned family pet. I regularly receive inquiries from people asking me how to guarantee that their dogs will be wellbehaved around children. My reply is not always well received, but I make no apologies for it.
internationallyacclaimed Dog Listener and trainer, on why parents should always ask before allowing children to approach strange dogs...and
When you study dogs, you quickly see that personal space is a big issue for them.
cats... Once, while attempting to enjoy a coffee at a seaside coffee in Australia, I witnessed an unprovoked dog attack. Two Chihuahuas were tied up outside café, minding their own business. Suddenly, from nowhere a man holding what was clearly a recently hatched baby spotted them.
Dogs are mostly very tolerant with puppies, allowing them to climb all over them and grab Dog expert - Tony Knight their tails. However, there is a limit to what chihuahuas did not react to this they will put up with. attack, but it could easily have Sometimes a puppy will go over been a different story. the top with their playful pestering and receive a sideways glance, followed by a growl. If they don’t take “Oh look,” he said to the the hint then, they are liable baby, apparently under the to receive a reprimand in the mistaken belief that the form of a grab of the muzzle. baby understood him, “two This grab with the mouth is cute little doggies!” a clear signal that they have gone too far and should I virtually spat out my mouthful It seems that a terrible story of leave the other one alone. of latte as he proceeded to walk a child being badly bitten by a right up to the tethered Sometimes, the human dog is never far from the twosome, bent down and headlines. So often, the culprit members of the dog’s family shoved his baby – head first I can also be told off for getting it is a family dog rather than a might add – right into the faces random attack by an unknown wrong. of the dogs. Fortunately, the assailant, leading to the
Personal space is a big issue for
dogs...
Over 95% of dog bites occur because people do not respect a dog’s personal space. Have you ever heard the expression, “Let sleeping dogs lie”? There is a good reason for this sage advice… On a slightly different note Most dogs are ne, but always ask permission from the owner (again an incident before petting them! involving food and/or drink), I When a cat clearly shows that it general, as well as now knowing was recently at a restaurant wants to be left alone, nobody how to educate people on how near my home in France. As we says a word. When a dog does to interact correctly with dogs. sat outside, we were the same thing, it is accused of immediately the centre of being aggressive, categorised as The rule is so simple, it is attention of some stray cats “dangerous” and the usual amazing that so many people that apparently lived in the advice is to kill it. get it so hopelessly wrong; if hedge opposite the restaurant. you want to say hello to a dog, Only the other day, I helped Another diner started feeding someone in Toulouse with a the moggies (mission dog that had been given a accomplished for the cats). He Category 3 status of aggression then made the error of trying to by vets and a behaviourist. The pick one up for a cuddle, latter has visited the house whereupon we all heard a after the vet who was bitten bloodcurdling scream (well, advised the owner to get an there were two actually – one “expert” in. The behaviourist from the cat as it was picked immediately went right up the up, followed by another by the dog and started stroking its man as the claws went into his head. When the dog growled, it arm). The attitude of the was branded a menace. restaurant manager typified our general response to a cat After a telephone session and a attack. “Yeah, don’t pick them little online coaching from up”. yours truly, the owner is now
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seeing a much calmer dog in
call the dog to you. This way, the dog has a choice at least. If it comes to you, it has done so of its own free will. If the dog doesn’t come, take that as a really clear signal that they are not ready yet. A student of mine in Sweden asked how she could stop people constantly coming up to pat her dog. Her dog does not like having their space invaded and despite putting a T-shirt on it telling people to give them space, nobody takes any notice.
call him to them. Alfie gets lot of cuddles and the children learn a valuable lesson that could save them a lot of pain and anguish in the future. If a child is too young to understand the rules, they should always be supervised when around dogs. It is usually the case that a family dog I have visited schools before attack has happened when with a very tolerant dog called everyone’s backs are turned for Alfie (I have been invited by the a moment. I do appreciate that teachers I hasten to add – it it can only take a split second would be weird if I just turned for something to happen, so up outside the schoolyard) to being extra vigilant or keeping teach kids how to safely them apart from each other interact with dogs. The children when in doubt is best. line up on either side of me and the pooch, and one by one they
I advised her to buy a soft muzzle and put it on her dog. This has nothing to do with the dog being aggressive, but if people can’t read, they might think twice about approaching a dog wearing a muzzle. As I often say, training dogs is the easy part…
I use the “Simon Says” game to help children understand the rules of engagement with dogs. There has to be an invitation before a fuss or cuddle can happen. Give a dog the chance to make their own decision to approach when asked too and the cuddle will be much happier – and safer - for everyone. To find out more, visit: www.tonyknightdoglistene r.com
Playing with Fire...
Retired vet and author of ‘Pets Aplenty’ MALCOLM D. WELSHMAN on a rather fearsome new patient.
Vet
By MALCOLM D. WELSHMAN
“Well, whatever,”said Eric ignoring her.
That November morning, Beryl, our receptionist, perched on her stool over the practice computer, looked across at me and declared, “I’ve booked you in to see a dragon.”
“Have a box of matches to hand just in case.”
With that, he smartly backed out of reception Malcolm and Dora and retreated down the “What on earth do you corridor whistling the tune mean?” I exclaimed, from Light My Fire. immediately conjuring up an
lads around twelve years of age brought it in. Both wore Harry Potter T shirts emblazoned with Hogwarts’ characters though I couldn’t spot a dragon amongst them. I wondered from where they had conjured up this creature and asked them. “It was on a bus,” said one freckle-faced boy, pushing black-framed spectacles up the bridge of his nose.‘ “A bus?”
image of some fire-belching monster thundering into my consulting room. “Dragon? What’s this about a dragon?” queried Eric, the senior vet, popping his head round the reception door.
“Some people never grow up,” seethed Beryl, turning to furiously stab her red-painted talons at the tabs on her keyboard.
‘The number ten,” said the other lad, shoving a lock of lank fair hair back from his forehead.
“I’ve booked you in to see a dragon...”
“It’s an appointment I’ve booked in,” said Beryl, glowering at him with her good eye.
So, none the wiser, I awaited “My… My… Sounds fun. Who’s with baited, if not fiery breath, bringing it in. St George?” the arrival of said dragon. I would like to say it landed Beryl began to smoulder. with a thump on my consulting table in a cloud of smoke. In ‘What’s wrong with it. Burnt reality it slid on to my table in a itself out? Eric caught my eye small wooden box with a meshand winked. Careful Eric. gridded door panel, secured in Forget dragons, you’re playing place with a catch. with fire here. So, I surmised it wasn’t going to be a very big dragon. Two
“Very funny, I don’t think,” snapped Beryl.
My puzzled look, prompted him to add, ‘The one that goes down to Westcott Pier,’” as if that would make it clearer. It didn’t.
Further probing revealed the creature had been left on the bus in this carrying crate. The two lads had discovered it. They told the driver they’d bring it here so that the owner, once realising it had been left onboard, could phone us to come and collect it. I did wonder whether that would happen, rather suspecting the creature had more likely been abandoned.
I peered in through the mesh door and could just make out a lizard-like reptile, sandy coloured, with a flat body and broad triangular head, at the back of which was a row of spiny scales.
Dino bobbed his head up and down and the skin on his throat turned black. Something that occurs when stressed or when these lizards see a potential
“Splendid specimen of a Pogona vitticeps,” he declared enthusiastically.
“It’s a bearded dragon,” piped up the bespectacled lad. “Really?” I remarked, impressed by his knowledge. “Yes,” added his mate. “Says so on the back here.” He spun the crate round and pointed to the label stuck on the other end. It stated: “Dino. I’m a bearded lizard.” The boys informed me they wouldn’t be allowed to keep it. Hence that lunch time, I found myself down in the office, Dino on my shoulder, nibbling a piece of watercress I’d extracted from my baguette.
Beryl had been about to join me but shuddered to a halt at the doorway, a thunderous black look on her face. Clearly, she had no desire to share her lunch with a dragon. The feeling seemed to be mutual as
things reptilian. As suspected, Dino was never claimed, so Mr Hargreaves welcomed him with open arms.
rival.
Dino responded by waving a front leg at him - another mannerism of A bearded bearded lizards. dragon Clearly these two were going to be brothers-in-arms.
“Dragon meets dragon, eh?” said Eric breezing into the office just as Beryl disappeared ***************************** down the corridor to no doubt Malcolm D. Welshman is to have her customary lunchauthor of Pets Aplenty time fag out in the back garden.
published by Austin Macauley Publishers “You keeping him?” 0207 038 8312 at £7.99 Kindle version 99p “No way,” I replied, shaking my head vigorously. “My place www.malcolmwelshman is already bulging at the seams .co.uk. with rescue animals. Besides which the cats would just see Dino as a tasty snack.” “Mr Hargreaves then?” Eric and I had operated on one of Mr Hargreaves many reptiles, a skink. He was a keen herpetologist and keeper of all
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