A north-east pet rescue charity has urged owners to be extra vigilant as “heartbreaking” instances of dog thefts are on the rise.
Experts have warned that more and more animals are now been stolen for profit or for dog fighting.
Banff and Aberdeenshire Rescue and Rehoming Kennels (Barrk) finds new homes for dogs at the rate of one every two days.
Last night secretary Liz Mackenzie said: “It’s a growing trend because 10 years ago most people would come to organisations like ourselves.
“Many still do. But it’s so easy on Gumtree now, it’s so faceless that when people are genuinely looking for a new dog they’ll believe what’s written down.
“They part with their money and forget to ask questions.”
Barrk, a voluntary organisation founded 18 years ago, has a strict screening process for people looking to adopt an animal.
Mrs Mackenzie and her team ask that all rehoused dogs be kept in “secure” gardens. She warned that animals are being stolen from gardens, from inside cars and – most commonly – when tied up outside shops.
“People just aren’t aware that thieves can sell dogs for money, and quite often for dog fighting. There are unscrupulous people out there.
“Anybody who’s had their dog stolen knows it’s a terribly distressing and heart-wrenching time. It’s vital to get dogs microchipped. Family dogs have become very marketable.”
Last night Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We are always deeply concerned by reports of pets being stolen.
“In our experience, dogs tend to be stolen either for breeding purposes or because they can be sold on.
“Pedigrees can often be sold for hundreds of pounds, particularly if they are still puppies.
“We always recommend that dogs should be microchipped, a cheap means of legally proving ownership which often results in animals being returned to their owners.”
Missing and stolen dogs can be reported to police and council dog wardens, as well as a host of websites which advertise missing pets with the hope of reuniting them with their owners.
Police Scotland’s expert on dog theft was unavailable for comment last night.
