The Dogmother Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 I know this should be in the other animals section, but it's urgent and I figured that it'd get more traffic here.... A friend who lives near the New Forest has had her lurcher stolen while walking there. It was seen being led off into a van by two men; as you can imagine, she is beside herself with worry. This is the poster on DogLost, please can you make everyone in the area aware so that he becomes too hot to handle and is dumped again for her to find. The police etc are all aware and searching as are his family. Many thanks, and let's hope that he turns up soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 My sister lives down there and walks her dog in the Forest so I'll let her know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 7, 2011 Author Share Posted December 7, 2011 Thanks Patricia - every bit helps, there was no news when I checked a moment ago. All authorities in the area are looking, vets etc have been alerted too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 I was just reading this story in my local newspaper. Poor dog, and poor owners. I do hope they find him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 7, 2011 Author Share Posted December 7, 2011 Karin, if you're in the area and can spread the word, it'd be very much appreciated Hounds really bond with their human so Oz will be missing his Mum From a local rag: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 I have passed in via Facebook, on public, so hopefully someone will know something. I have my fingers crossed for your friend. I really don't understand why someone would take it, especially as so many are looking for homes in animal shelters. Unless they aren't after a pet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 7, 2011 Author Share Posted December 7, 2011 I hesitate to cast nasturtiums, but lurchers like she and I have are highly prized in certain circles as hunting dogs; they are usually stolen from gardens and cars, hunted until they drop and then dumped - this is what happened to my rescue lad in Ireland. If they can't/won't hunt or can't be bred from then they will be dumped - usually from a car/van as it drives along, some sustain serious injuries from this. By making him 'hot property' we're hoping that he will be dumped and found again, or even turned in, as he will be too easily recognised to take out anywhere. He is tattooed and chipped so easily verified if he does turn up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodcat Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 I've also shared it on facebook. Fingers toes and everything else crossed. People really are horrid sometimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 How awful, I have already been in the forest today, walk at Deerleep and Longdown but will keep an eye out and also let the other walkers that I meet know. My daughter works and travels around the forest so will let her know too. I really hope he turns up safely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 7, 2011 Author Share Posted December 7, 2011 Thanks Mollyripkim, if you could print off some of the dogLost posters to hand out, that'd be great. The vets and rescues all know, but the police are dragging their heels and haven't even been to see her yet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 Yes, I will do, I will take a batch out with me in the morning. Don't know if you already know but if any dogs handed in to any vet in the Southampton area (on the edge of the forest so could end up here) the policy is to let Warren Avenue Kennels know, telephone 02380 0065. The dog warden is called Paula Davies and she is really helpful. Know it sounds dreadful but the number to check if a dog has been found knocked down on the roads is a council number - 023 8083 3605. Not sure of the number for the New Forest Dog Warden but apparently if their kennel is full then it is not unknown for a New Forest dog to go to Warren Avenue Kennels. I think Dog Lost gives all this info out anyway but thought I would put it just in case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 7, 2011 Author Share Posted December 7, 2011 Thanks M, I'll pass that on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 Ive put the info on my FB page; I have family in Dorset; Dispicable swines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 I've shared a link on FB thanks to Bluekarin, we have some family living down that way so hopefully they'll keep an eye out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 7, 2011 Author Share Posted December 7, 2011 No real solid news yet, although her OH was out looking for Oz and happened upon and van and two men which fitted the description given by the rider who saw Oz with two men. These men/van were apparently stealing some chairs so he phoned a description and licence plate in to the police. Hopefully they might be linked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 8, 2011 Author Share Posted December 8, 2011 Nothing yet this morning, the current thoughts are that he may be being held for ransom/reward, in which case they will hang onto him for a couple of days before making contact Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 What a horrible thing to happen . I hope they get him back very soon, they must be beside themselves . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 OMG that poor family, i can only imagine how they must be feeling. I have heard that dognapping is getting more and more common. I am almost paranoid about it and never leave my dog alone in the car or outside shops, but to have your dog stolen whilst on a walk is horrendous. I really hope they hear something soon and get their beloved pet back soon. I will keep eyes and ears open even though i live nowhere near the New Forest as you just never know where he will end up. Keeping everything crossed for them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 8, 2011 Author Share Posted December 8, 2011 You're right Sandie, dog stealing is on the increase and especially amongst hunting dogs like lurchers. They can be stolen to work, stolen to order or for the reward. These dogs can end up all over the country as they are traded and handed on from one community to the next. Usually when dog like this, which is chipped and tattooed, is stolen it is held fro a while then a reward is asked for. He is neutered, so useless for breeding and will be slightly slower on the hunting/racing front than a full male. Thanks for helping - any exposure on facebook and others will help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 Oh goodness, what an awful thing to have happened. What horrid people to take someone else's beloved dog. Both the owners and dog must be so distressed. I have heard that dognapping is getting more and more common. A dog walker I met a few weeks ago was telling me that there have been a number of dog thefts in our area recently I believe it has been mostly working type dogs. Do you think a lurcher could have been stolen for hare coursing? I know the police have been on the lookout in the villages and countryside around here for people hare coursing in recent weeks. I do hope the dog is returned safe and well to its family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 8, 2011 Author Share Posted December 8, 2011 That's exactly what they are stolen for - they are either worked or bred, handed around all over the country and then dumped when they are useless. I have fostered lurchers in the past and have been followed before now by 'sorts', usually in vans, either wanting to buy the dogs, or to know what they're like after prey. I NEVER go straight home, but drop in somewhere else and always report it to the police. For their information; Ruby is half blind and Cyrus suffers from seizures. Cyrus is a rescue from Ireland and originally came from a similar situation after he was thrown from a moving van and found running along a dual carriageway Other breeds are also being snatched now for use as bait dogs when certain types of dogs are trained for fighting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 That makes me feel completely sick. And on that note I'm off to take the dogs out for their afternoon walk - they'd better not go out of my sight! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 Oh dear, this has so much touched a nerve and upset me more than i thought, im sat here, with my little dog all snuggled up to me safe and sound on the sofa, in tears thinking of how heartbreaking this must be for them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 8, 2011 Author Share Posted December 8, 2011 I was in tears as well yesterday, Sandie. It takes a lot to do that. I just hope that whoever has Ozzie is looking after him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 This is such a horrible thing to happen. I put posters up at deerleep in the forest. My dogs discs have got "I am microchipped" on their collars as a deterrent. Really hope it is good news soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...