Pets play a big part in many of our lives, and their role can go beyond just being a companion. They can be trained as medical support animals, working animals, and even provide emotional aid to their owners. However, with the increase in pet ownership, criminals see an opportunity to make money by targeting our pets.
Recently, there has been a concerning rise in suspected dog thefts across Alberta. Criminals are stealing dogs and gaining money through illegal sales, breeding, and ransoms. This is a serious concern for pet owners and communities as a whole.
Alberta Provincial Rural Crime Watch is providing information to help owners take the necessary precautions to ensure your pets' safety.
The Reason Behind Pet Theft
The rise in suspected pet thefts has sparked a call for caution throughout Alberta communities.
Rural property owners are especially encouraged to take action to keep their pets safe. Criminals are often targeting pets on rural properties, as these animals have more space to roam and are not always supervised, making them easier to steal.
Farm dogs are also desirable to thieves because they can be sold as working dogs. They can be resold to other farmers or sold as guard or fighting dogs because they are typically larger breeds and have grown up protecting their property.
People may steal a dog for various reasons, including the breed. Some breeds are highly sought after. Thieves see the opportunity to steal and flip dogs for less than what a reputable breeder asks for, but they can still make a profit. If a thief spots an unattended purebred puppy, it is easier than you think for them to sneak into the yard and steal the dog.
Criminals also steal dogs for illegal and unethical breeding purposes. They can breed the dogs they steal and then sell the litter of puppies.
Because there is a significant emotional connection and a reliance on dogs, there is also an opportunity to exploit that bond. Criminals can steal animals with the intent to ransom them to their owners. In an act of desperation, pet owners can offer thousands of dollars to see their pets returned to them.
The Legal Implications
In Canada, there can be serious consequences for stealing someone’s pet. The punishment can range from fines to jail time. Under Canada's criminal code, stolen dogs are treated as theft under $5,000. Theft under $5000 is a Crown indictable (felony) offence which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
Animal cruelty charges may also apply in certain situations.
The lack of serious legal consequences for animal theft can make it attractive to criminals. There are minimal resources dedicated to addressing animal theft and the penalties are weak. Essential pet theft is seen as a low-risk, high-reward crime.
Keeping Your Animals Safe
While there are many ways for criminals to lure away and steal our pets, there are even more tactics to keep them safe from thieves. Here are some best practices for safeguarding your pets.
Reporting and Recovery
If you suspect your pet has been stolen, it is imperative to act fast. Criminals can move your pet quickly.
The first step is to contact your local RCMP detachment and file a stolen pet report. It's important to insist that the police record it as a theft rather than a lost animal and get a crime report number. Even if the dog has just gone missing, it's still worth contacting the local detachment in case they come across your pet while patrolling.
If your pet is microchipped, you should also report your missing animal to the microchip database. This will ensure that if anyone tries to register the chip number, you will be notified. Animal control agencies and vet clinics will also be made aware if your animal is in their care.
In addition, it may be useful to contact local rescue groups, shelters, and veterinarians to see if they have seen or heard of a pet that matches your pet’s description.
You can also post notices on social media to alert your community that your pet is missing. The more eyes out looking for your pet, the better.
We need to bring attention to the rise in pet thefts across Alberta to take action. The surge in thefts threatens pet owners' emotional well-being and disrupts rural communities where pets play integral roles.
Through awareness, proper identification, spaying and neutering, tracking tools, and community watch initiatives. We want to remind you to report suspected thefts quickly, utilizing all available channels, from law enforcement to microchip databases and social media platforms.
Together, we can keep our furry friends safe.
Be on the Look Out
Try to keep pets in sight when they are outdoors. If you cannot watch them and they can be brought indoors, keep them inside whenever possible. But don’t just keep your eyes on your pets. Be on the lookout for any suspicious activity around your house and neighbourhood. This could include strangers asking questions about your dog or vehicles slowing down around your home or when you’re walking your dog.
Also, never leave your dog tied up outside in public spaces or in a vehicle.
Identification & Microchipping
While tattoos and microchips don’t prevent your pets from being stolen or work like GPS trackers, they can aid in their return. Animal control and vet clinics will have access to your contact information associated with the tattoo or microchip.
Another form of identification you should always use is their collar and ID tags. Your dog should always wear a collar and ID tag with your name and address on it. However, a tip is to not include their name on their collar. If a thief knows your pet’s name, it makes it easier for them to lure them out.
30% of missing dogs cannot be traced to their owner. Ensuring your contact information is up to date is important.
Spay & Neuter
Spaying and neutering your pets is not just a good way to control the animal population; it is also a way to keep them safe from criminals. When animals cannot be bred, they lose their value to unethical breeders.
Using Technology
You can implement different types of technology to keep your pets safe from criminals. Put up cameras outside to monitor any activity in your backyard and keep an eye on your pets. You can also purchase a collar with a GPS system, which can help you track your pet's movements and find them if they are ever lost or stolen. Some pet owners even use Apple AirTags to keep track of their pets, which can be a useful tool for ensuring their safety.
A Watchful Community Group
With the help of your neighbours, you can keep an eye out for each other and your pets. Together, you can look out for any suspicious activity or search as a group in the event one of the community animals goes missing. It is also a good way to share information and tips on keeping your animals safe.
