Dog thieves warning

4:23pm Tuesday 3rd April 2001

DOG owners in north Kent are being warned to stay alert after a dramatic increase in dog thefts.

Lurcher Search UK, a national organisation dedicated to finding people's dogs, believes the animals are being stolen for use in illegal animal sports.

Barry Hanks, a founder member of the organisation, said: “So far, over the last two months, 18 dogs have been reported stolen from Gravesend, Rochester, Gillingham, Leysdown, Ashford and the Kent/East Sussex border. The list is just unbelievable.

“We've now given the names and addresses of people in the Kent area who are well-known dog thieves to the police and the RSPCA.”

Among those to have lost their dogs is Lorraine Judge, 36, of Single Well, Gravesend. She said: “I took my saluki collie called Streaky to the park, in Pratts Bottom, Orpington. He's been there loads of times chasing rabbits, but this time he didn't return.

“Now I'm concerned Streaky has been stolen for his hunting skills.”

A spokesman for Kent Police said: “Owners of lurchers, greyhounds and small terriers are advised to be vigilant, and make sure their dogs are not left unattended in the garden.”

Dogs most commonly stolen for use in illegal blood sports including badger-baiting, dog-fighting and poaching are lurchers, terriers, greyhounds and collie crosses, Mr Hanks said.

TO improve the chance of your dog being returned if lost or stolen, Lurcher Search UK suggests you mark your dog with an ear tattoo, or implant a micro-chip.

Dogs with micro-chips can be identified with an electronic scanner device, which registers a number linked to the owner. But the organisation warns scanners are not that readily available, and the chip can be difficult to find.

Lurcher Search UK believes the most effective method of marking your dog is with an ear tattoo. This is because everyone can understand a tattoo, and if someone chops a bit of a dog's ear off it is suspicious.

Also, a lost dog is examined by a vet when it is taken to a centre, and they will always check the dog's ears, eyes and nose.

For advice, call Lurcher Searcher UK on 01598 753563.

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