Has Your Pet Been Stolen?
If you know your pet has been stolen and has been removed from your vehicle or your yard or other locked and secure location, there is still a chance of finding your pet. I can help you.
What to do immediately
1. Start with a good, clear flyer:
Make the flyer in a common software like either MS Word or as a PDF document so that it is easily downloaded and sent anywhere by anybody
a. Use clear color photos
b. 24 hour phone number with voicemail
c. Basic description of your pet
d. Reward
Using Posters and Fliers
2. Where to put and send flyer:
a. All light poles
b. Mailboxes
c. Door to door
d. Dumpster areas
e. Mail carriers, UPS, Fed Ex, DHL and all delivery people
f. Garbage truck drivers
g. Utility meter readers
h. Local pet stores, grocery stores, gas stations
i. All vets: emergency and regular
j. Schools and churches
k. Police departments
3. Send flyer to Class B dealers and pet shops
4. File a report with your local police department.
a. Follow up with them regularly.
5. Craigslist:
a. File your own ads in both Pets and Lost/Found sections with a clear, color photo.
b. Check ads in local, state and national Craiglists. Do a search on top for breed type in the Pets section.
6. Do Internet searches on these subjects for potential breeders who may want to purchase your pet from the person who stole them.
a. Puppies/kittens, dogs/cats, breeders, pets
b. Specific breeds or mixes (designer dogs)
7. Look at HSUS, ASPCA and Last Chance for Animals:
Humane Society of the United States
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Last Chance for Animals
Look at stories they do for puppy mill, hoarder and rescue busts. Contact them about your missing pet to see if your pet is among any animals in the animals they find in their puppy mill busts.
8. Review “Finding Lost Pets Checklist”
Articles to Read
Finding out more about pet theft
How to protect your pet from theft and harm
American Psychological Society Article:
Why Random Source Dogs and Cats are Still Needed
HSUS Article on Class B Dealers:
Class B Dealers, A Class of Their Own
HSUS Article on The Use of Pets in Experiments:
Pets Used in Experiments
HSUS’s History of Pets in Experiments
A History of Pets in Experiments
HSUS Article on the Use of Dogs and Cats in Experiments:
Dogs and Cats Used in Experiments
HR 3907 Class B Dealers
To prohibit the sale of "random source" (as opposed to purpose-bred) dogs and cats by Class B dealers for research purposes. Class B dealers sometimes obtain these animals through pet theft and free-to-good-home ads.
HSUS Article on the Use of Animals in Research
The Use of Animals in Research
Wayne Pacelle Blog About buying animals from Class B dealers
Research Proposal: Don’t Buy Dogs and Cats from Class B Dealers
USDA’s Dealer Requirement Guide
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/manuals/dealer/requirements.pdf
USDA’s Dealer Inspection Requirements
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/manuals/dealer/randomsource.pdf
NetPosse's 10 Ways to Secure Your Horse
10 Ways to Secure Your Horse and Property
Websites
Horse theft
www.netposse.com
All stolen pets
www.stolenpets.com
Stolen Dogs
www.dealingdogs.com
Last Chance For Animals
Keeping your pet safe
www.lcanimal.org/cmpgn/cmpgn_dog_safe.htm
Pet theft and Class B Dealers)
www.lcanimal.org/cmpgn/cmpgn_dog_theft.htm
Pound seizure – Animals sold to labs from shelters
www.lcanimal.org/cmpgn/cmpgn_dog_seizure.htm
Missing pets
www.lcanimal.org/cmpgn/cmpgn_dog_missing.htm
More resources
www.lcanimal.org/store.htm#ddogs
Doggie Manners
http://www.doggiemanners.com/art_finding_stolen_dogs.html
Books/DVDs
“Stolen for Profit” by Judith Reitman
“Horse Theft” by Debi Metcalfe
“The Use of Animals in Higher Education”, by Jonathan Balcombe
"Dealing Dogs: An Investigation" by Last Chance for Animals
"The Animal Dealers" by The Animal Welfare Institute
