The recent theft of two dogs from a family’s garden in St. Ulph is prompting people to think about how to protect their pets.
1. Identify the animal
This is a must for both dogs and cats, but is too often forgotten. Identification by an electronic chip or even a cat tattoo (which visually identifies the animal as not stray) is the best way to prove that the animal is yours. However, be careful to be aware of contact details, especially in the event of a move or change of ownership. Be sure to report this to the national I-Cad file. Also take a picture of your pet and feel free to look for and notice any distinguishing feature (white spot, mole, “mask”, etc.) to identify it and make sure it’s your pet. especially if you were contacted after he disappeared.
2. Sterilize the animal
At first glance, it seems surprising, but a dog or cat (male or female) can be stolen for breeding purposes. An even more important phenomenon for popular breeds (Bengal in cats, Bulldog in dogs, for example). Say loudly and clearly that your pet is neutered. This will reduce the risks.
3. Don’t talk too much…
On a walk with a dog or in a garden with a cat, it is easy to trust a person who calls you to pet an animal or be in ecstasy in front of him. If everyone is thankfully not malicious, sometimes it could be an advertiser working for human traffickers trying to discover animals to steal. If it’s a purebred dog or cat, don’t talk too much about its parentage.
4. … even “bluffing”
Feel free to “bluff” by saying, for example, that the animal has a head, that it has a difficult character, or that it only obeys you. For cats, say that he does not go out or only in your company. Again, this can serve as a warning or deter potential pet thieves who might think twice.
5. Train your pet
This advice is mostly valid for dogs. A little training and training goes a long way in getting him to come back when you call him, or bark in a certain way when you tell him to. It is useful if the animal was “borrowed” by one of the neighbors.
6. File a complaint
If, despite everything, your animal has been stolen, file a complaint. Animal theft is punishable by law. Get his paperwork and report to I-Cad. In fact, the national dossier is linked to all veterinarians, professional breeders, animal protection associations and shelters who can quickly locate a dog or cat declared stolen.