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As Thefts Rise, How Can You Keep You Dog Safe?

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If a national lockdown wasn’t tough enough, dog owners have something else to worry about – opportunistic thieves. Unfortunately, the demand for puppies and canines has never been higher, with more people having free time and needing a trusted companion. As a result, 2020 was the worst year for dog crimes.

For owners, this is very scary because your pet is part of the family. To lose them is incredibly traumatic, especially when someone takes them from you without your permission, and only with a view to make money. You always do your best to keep your dog safe, yet it’s essential to raise your game for the sake of your pooch’s security.

However, if you haven’t thought about the ways to make it happen, you might be confused. Please don’t worry because all it takes is a selection of accessible methods to erase lingering doubts. Here’s how to keep your dog safe as thefts rise.

Research The Stats In Your Area

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The epidemic needs treating with respect, which means you should be on guard regardless of where you live. Still, the BBC points out that certain regions in the UK have a higher rate of theft compared to the same period in 2019. Therefore, you should be extra careful if you live in one of these hotspots.

For example, Northumbria has seen the biggest increase, with 67 dogs stolen in July 2020. In July 2019, the figure was 27. Devon and Cornwall are next on the list, followed by Leicestershire, Humberside, and Suffolk. You can view the full chart by following this link. By understanding the risks, you can work to negate them

On the whole, being vigilant is imperative since half of the 26 police forces that responded to the BBC’s data request saw an increase in thefts over the last seven months.

Use A Reliable Dog Walking Service

You can’t be with your pet every minute of every day. You also can’t leave them at home alone as dogs require attention. It’s their ability to love that makes them man’s best friend. This puts you in a Catch-22 situation as you need someone to take the dog for a walk, yet you have to trust them to do it.

Finding a trusted dog walker is a lot easier than it sounds, thanks to the internet. With the world wide web, you can read reviews and make an informed judgement. Essentially, you want a person or company that is thoughtful, passionate, and above all, always keeps their eyes on the prize.

A high-quality dog walker is an extra layer of protection because they will not only keep your dog safe during a walk, but they can check up on them at home to ensure there is nothing untoward happening.

Microchip Them

Opting for a microchip service provides peace of mind and is also now a legal requirement in the UK with hefty fines for non-compliance. A microchip gives you a live location, which makes finding stolen animals simpler.

Plus, it’s pain-free. The chip is around the size of a grain, and there is no anaesthetic necessary as the procedure is quick. The best way to think about it is in the same way as a vaccination or injection. If you don’t like the idea, your dog must have a collar with an address.

However, you should avoid writing down any details that thieves can use to their advantage, such as your pet’s name. If they don’t know it, they can’t call them over to steal them in the first place.

Pixabay – CC0 Licence

Setup A Home CCTV System

Although there are stories of thieves taking pets when they are in the open, it’s not beneath a burglar to break into your home. With that in mind, you need to make your property less of a target. You can do this by leaving your dog inside when you’re not around, making the animal harder to steal.

However, a proven tactic is to install a CCTV security system at the front and rear of your house. According to studies, external cameras reduce crime by as much as 16%, mainly because people can’t take the risk of being identified by the footage.

You can opt for dummy cameras, yet career criminals know how to spot the real from the fake.

Summary

The key is to recognise the danger. Once you do that, you can take precautions, such as microchipping your pet, investing in cameras, and researching the best walkers in your area.

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