Following a huge increase in the theft of gundogs, DogLost has launched an initiative to highlight the issue amongst owners across the country.

With the shooting season in full swing, DogLost co-ordinators are targeting shoots to make owners aware of the issue and to offer advice on how to keep their dogs safe.

Said campaign co-ordinator, Sue Herbert, who looks after the mainly rural area of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire: “Theft from kennels is rife and owners need to know that they should be much more diligent over their dogs. They need to review security and consider the use of alarms and cctv.”

DogLost also advises that owners of gundogs get advice from police crime prevention officers and don’t leave their dogs unattended.

Top tips are:
• Take a fresh look at your security
• Ensure your dogs are microchipped
• Never leave a dog unsecured or unattended
• If you run a shoot ensure all helpers are known and trusted
• Be careful who you speak to regarding your dog’s remarkable capabilities !

In the last year thefts of gundogs – particularly from kennels – has quadrupled. One Sussex gamekeeper was targeted twice in three days with a total of seven dogs taken. Whilst most are being used or sold on it the UK, it is believed that some are stolen to order and taken to Ireland or Europe.

“Police are beginning to take the issue much more seriously with dog theft being part of the brief for rural teams.” continued DogLost spokesperson, Nik Oakley. “Forces in Kent, Surrey, Hampshire and Thames Valley are leading the way.”

DogLost is teaming up with Marc the Vet in his campaign to ban the cruel practice of puppy farming.

Through Pup Aid, Marc has launched a petition to get all puppies for sale seen with their mothers.

Said Marc: “Most dog owners say they’d never buy a dog from a puppy farm, yet a large number will due to common scams especially by private dealers.”

“We need 100,000 signatures from the nation’s animal lovers to make the Government listen and hopefully end this needless and preventable suffering for good.”

“The Government must ban the sale of young puppies and kittens unless their mothers are present,” continued Marc, “as an absent mother is a clear compromise of both health and welfare for these animals and often a big clue indicating puppy farming.”

Said a spokesperson for DogLost: “Inevitably puppy-farmed dogs are prone to illness and are far more likely to be discarded. We want to reduce the number of dogs that end up on our website because owners can’t cope with them.”

To sign the petition go to: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/49528