Sussex Pet Rescue - Registered Charities Number 1048731

4 days ago

Would you know what to do if your pet needed first aid? Dog First Aid - Sussex can help with a range of online or in person courses. If you're interested, please click this link to their website to see the dates and use Promo Code PETRESCUE on the details page of your order for Sussex Pet Rescue to receive 10% (this applies to Bronze, Silver and Gold plus accessories).

www.dog-first-aid.com/sussex/

Thanking you for your support. ... See MoreSee Less

Sussex Pet Rescue - Registered Charities Number 1048731

6 days ago

** At New Priory Vets ** Found on Ditching Beacon, Is microchipped but no details. Please call New Priory Vets on 01273 540430 with any information... ... See MoreSee Less

Sussex Pet Rescue - Registered Charities Number 1048731

2 weeks ago

“It's better to be aware of what does happen and how to minimise the chance of it happening to you.”

With a rising spate in dog thefts, Dog Warden Russ begins the new year on a serious note with some important advice about how to keep your dog safe.

“Hi Again.

Happy New Year!

As you may have seen on social media recently and at least one national daytime TV show, there has recently been an alarming increase in dogs being stolen.

Lockdown has inspired so many more people to get a dog but there’s no doubt that this trend has inspired a far bigger number of dog thefts.

The national charity DogLost.co.uk, report that referrals to them have rocketed this year. The prices being charged by breeders has risen dramatically which has made the trade in dogs even more lucrative and is being driven by supply and demand, with many dogs being stolen to order.

Dog Lost is a national database where owners of lost or stolen dogs can list their dogs with a photo and full details. The charity can also send out email alerts, produce posters and send the details out nationwide on social media.

It’s been reported that some people who have had dogs stolen from their houses have noticed chalk marks, cable ties or other markings on their fences, walls etc, which would suggest that the property had been under surveillance before the theft took place.

A BBC investigation revealed that at least two criminal gangs had given up drug dealing activities to concentrate on dogs. They have made this decision as they believe they’re far less likely to be caught and if they are the penalties in terms of imprisonment, fines etc. are far less and worth the risk. For a crime making millions the fines are described as ‘small change’

An RSPCA spokesperson said “Puppy farming is a big business and we have uncovered large criminal gangs making millions of pounds”.

It’s no longer a case of dogs being stolen, having been tied up outside a shop or lifted from a garden when being left out there alone. Sadly gangs are breaking into houses and well secured kennel blocks in order to steal dogs.

Although pedigree dogs and working breeds are really popular amongst thieves, any dog regardless of age, breed and sex can be sold as company for someone or sadly to be used as a bait dog for those involved in dog fighting. My blog is not intended to alarm anyone, but it's better to be aware of what does happen and how to try to minimise the chance of it happening to you.

If your garden can be seen from public view please make sure that not only is your garden secure but that any gates are fitted with bolts on the bottom so that thieves can't just reach over and unbolt them, you should also consider a padlock. Many people plant hedges, bushes etc to screen the garden from public view and you could consider prickly ones to deter anyone from climbing in!!

Dogs are often stolen during a burglary in the owner’s home. Sometimes whole litters of puppies have been stolen. Many homes are targeted after advertising puppies for sale.

Thieves or their accomplices have been known to phone and enquire about the pups and after finding out when a good time was to view them, any time not convenient to the owner could mean nobody would be at home. Others actually visit in advance to carry out a reconnaissance of the address, security measures, where the pups are kept, etc.
Be wary of what information you share! When arranging pup viewings with people over the phone, ask for a name and landline number from them and call it to verify. You may be able to write down the registration number of those coming to view your dogs.

There have also been reports of dogs being enticed away from their owners whilst out walking, often in isolated areas. On occasion dog owners have been approached in the street by people who have brazenly tried to snatch the dog. Train your dog to come back to you on command and don't let them out of your sight when they're off lead. On lead be wary of people engaging you in conversation about your dog.

Please ensure your microchip details are up to date and make sure you have your pet’s microchip number and the contact details of the microchip database to alert them if your pet is lost or stolen.

Last, but not least, have lots of good quality photos of your dog, taken from all different angles. Concentrate particularly on the dogs markings - two of my dogs (pictured) have completely unique markings which would positively identify them.

Take care.” ... See MoreSee Less

Sussex Pet Rescue - Registered Charities Number 1048731

3 weeks ago

Wishing you a very Happy New Year from us all at Sussex Pet Rescue! ... See MoreSee Less