Thanks for this completed and circulated.There are three things that would reduce dog theft significantly:Owners and handlers need to obey the law re control in public placesOwners and handlers need to stop leaving dogs unattendedBuyers need to stop buying dogs from websites and illegal breeders to cut off the demand for the supply.I am horrified by the behaviour of many dog owners who leave their dogs unattended and who have poor control, allowing their dogs to gain a great deal of distance with no possibility of reliable recall.Many owners walk dogs off lead along roads (or worse go running with them, very bad for the dogs' welfare) which is not only illegal and a damned nuisance but puts the dogs at more risk from theft. Small dogs and young dogs in particular are at risk as they are easy to scoop up quickly and hide under clothing or in a carrier.Strand on the Green is faeces central and seems to be particularly bad for off lead dogs. Last week, two people were running in the middle of Thames Road in spite of the traffic at 11.00hrs. Their bearded collie-type dog was about 500 yards in the rear, defecting on the pavement and then proceeding to interfere with the dogs in my charge.They refused to get the dog under control (possibly because they couldn't) and ignored my requests to pick up the faeces.Owners also leave dogs unattended in gardens and in cars.
Charlotte Kasner ● 2066d