DOGNAPPING ON THE RISE

JUne19dogwebDogs are being stolen out of cars, yards, off sidewalks and even out of shelters at an alarming rate, according to the American Kennel Club.

“It only takes a minute for a theft to occur,” American Kennel Club spokeswoman Lisa Peterson told CBS 2's Dave Carlin.

Making any pet owner think twice is surveillance video that showed “Marley” the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel being menaced by a stranger, who picked up the frightened dog and walked off with him, leaving 7-year-old Mia Bendrat heartbroken the day before Christmas.Marley was sold to a woman in Greenwich Village, who thought the situation was fishy. Marley was checked for a microchip and Mia and her best friend were reunited.

But happy endings are rare as dognapping cases rise nationwide by almost 70 percent, according to the American Kennel Club.

“Last year, for example, we tracked more than 432 pet thefts, and that’s just scratching the surface,” Peterson said. “For the first time ever we’ve seen a trend now where shelters are being broken into and purebred and mixed breed dogs are being stolen.”

Dognappings from stores, shelters and backyards and off sidewalks are preventable. Experts say to safeguard your pet as you would a child.

“Don’t leave it unattended,” Peterson said.

The American Kennel Club recommends doing anything you can do, but most importantly get your pet microchipped.

“Because that’s the only way you can prove ownership and get your dog back should it turn up at a vet's office or shelter,” Peterson said.
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Established in August of 2008 by writerartist Dianne V. Lawrence, The Neighborhood News covers the events, people, history, politics and historic architecture of communities throughout the Mid-City and West Adams area in Los Angeles Council District 10.

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