Keep chickens cool in summer

[The Dogmother]

I receive regular updates from the area's Dogwatch, which posts about dog thefts, missing dogs and rural crime/thefts such as farm machinery.

 

There has been an alarming increase in the theft of working-type dogs, so lurchers, terriers, spaniels and labs/retrievers. having two lurchers myself, I am very wary and careful - I was approached just yesterday evening by a 'sort' asking about the dogs.

 

Please take care:

 

• Make sure they are microchipped and neutered and wear tags saying such, I also have a sticker on the car to that effect.
   
  Never leave them out in the garden unless you are with them
   
  If you are at all concerned when out walking then don't let them off-lead, if they are off then keep them near and use bells so that you have a rough idea of where they are.
   
  If you are approached or asked questions, use the line of them being half blind, epileptic, deaf or similar.
   
  If you are followed (usually a white van) then don't go straight home so that the dogs can be traced, and try to get the van details to report to the police.

 

I hate to be alarmist but have seen too many dog snatches recently... my own hounds will be under lock and key next week when the fair is in town - we always seem to get an increase then of unsavoury types and the crime rate in general soars too.

Edited October 10, 2012 by Guest

[Bramble]

How awful, but thanks for the tips - couldn't bear it if my dog was stolen ...

[lillybettybabs]

I had a scarey moment yesterday

[The Dogmother]

LBB's situation was a very good example so I don't think she'll mind me using it as an illustration:

 

Out walking all four dogs, she was crossing a field near home when she was aware that a man in a small car was watching her from the gate of the field. Rather than go home she stopped and pretended to be using her mobile while taking photos of the car and occupant. The car eventually went but she has evidence if it happens again and need reporting to the police. Her dogs are always locked up

[bluekarin]

Thanks for the warning, I will be even more vigilant. We have the fair coming here in a couple of week and I too will be extra careful. I was planning on taking Neela down there when it was being set up, but I think I might not now

[The Dogmother]

I agree, whilst it's a good chance to socialise them and get them used to noises and crowds, the risks now outweigh the benefits.

[Lavenders_Blue]

Will be extra vigilant from now on. I usually walk in the same areas and bump into the same people during the week so I hope I would spot anyone unusual hanging around, but I do walk in different areas at the weekend, so I will be on my guard. DM and LBB - thank goodness you were both quick enough to spot the dodgy looking people and that nothing happened. Scary indeed!

[LolaLayla]

Very worrying. I haven't heard of anything up here thankfully, but will certainly be careful.

[lillybettybabs]

It's a good idea to vary your walking routes and times too.

[The Dogmother]

Good call, I am now off our summer walks across fields and in the woods. I have to leave at the same time every day but do different lead walks around town and the streets near us as it's dark now.

[Redwing]

Thanks for the heads up. Otis really only gets excercised in the field but we will still be extra careful