Warning to pet owners after spate of animal thefts

Galway SPCA is urging dog owners in the city to remain vigilant after a spate of pets being stolen or disappearing in recent days.

Distraught dog owners have reported their pets missing in areas including Ballybane, Doughiska, Tuam, Knocknacarra, Gort, Athenry and Ardrahan, and it marks a trend in recent years of dogs disappearing at this time of the year.

BY CLODAGH McGRATH

Galway SPCA believe that the dogs are stolen in order to be sold at the upcoming Ballinasloe Fair, as stolen dogs have been discovered there in recent years.

“Dogs are being stolen all year round but at this time in particular they are being lifted as the Ballinasloe Fair is on in about a month,” warned PRO of Galway SPCA Margaret O’Sullivan. Micro chipping and ID tags may be the only way to validate your ownership, hence Galway SPCA are advising all owners to do so if they have not already taken such precautions.

“The first thing to do is have your dog micro chipped as then there is traceability. The glory of micro chipping your pets is that realistically they can be found. We’ve had cases of dogs found in England, all thanks to micro chipping,” added Margaret.

It is believed that many small dogs such as Jack Russells are also being stolen in order to blood bigger dogs for fighting, something that has become popular in recent years.

“The smaller dogs are being used to blood dogs for fighting; the people that take them don’t care,” Margaret stated.

Margaret urged that people remain attentive at all times and not to leave their pets unattended. “Please stay careful and watch out for any strange behaviour, such as a strange car or van.”

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.