AR: Protect your pet from dog-napping

Protect your pet from dog-napping without chaining them up
7:58 AM, Aug 20, 2011

UNDATED -- The American Kennel Club (AKC) is reporting a sharp rise in dog-napping so far this year, and recommends keeping your pup on a short leash.

However it is illegal to "direct point chain" a dog in the city of Little Rock. You can not even just put it out for 5 minutes without being in violation.

It is considered to be "cruel" by a city ordinance and fines are up to $1000.00.

You can use a trolley system that is a cable connected to two objects and is from 4 to 7 feet off the ground for a runner. A cable extends from the runner to the dogs collar and has the ability to run up and down this cable. The dog has to have a dog house and fresh water at all times and the area must be maintained free of fecal material.

If you see a dog chained to a stationary object please call 311 or 376-3067 to report.

In the first seven months of 2011, the AKC estimates that there were 224 cases of dog theft, as opposed to 150 during the first seven months of 2010. That represents an almost 50% increase-though the total is still miniscule compared to the tens of millions of dogs living as pets in the U.S.

"We are getting reports almost daily of pets stolen during home invasions, out of parked cars while people are running errands and even snatched from dog lovers out for a walk in the park," said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Fortunately, we have also seen recoveries of stolen pets because of their microchips which permanently identify them with their owners. A simple scan at the shelter or vet's office and the true identity of the real owner can be found by calling the pet recovery service."

There are a few tips to keep your pets safe:

-Don't leave your dog unattended. If you need to run an errand, leave the dog at home or make sure someone you know is keeping an eye on the dog while you are gone.

-Don't leave your dog unattended out in the backyard. Dognappers will notice if a pet is outside on his own and take advantage of that.

-Have your pet outfitted with a microchip. The chip is inserted between the dog's shoulder blades and can hold the owner's personal information, including address and phone number. If a stolen dog is found, the chip can help authorities determine the owner. Most vets and shelters have equipment to scan a dog for microchips.

-Keep your dog on a leash. Off-leash dogs are more likely to wander off and into the hands of a thief.

(Source: American Kennel Club press release)

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