ARTICLES II
AnimalHouseCo.com
DOGNAPPERS PART I by Sharon Janes, President, Animal House & Company, Inc. Doggnapping in the United States has reached an alarming rate. Millions of family pets are reported missing annually. Many of these pets are taken forcibly, or by deception, through so called "free-to-good-home" ads. These pets are then resold. Dogs and cats are sold to any number of different clients for many uses to include, dog-fighting rings (as fighters or blood-bait), puppy mills for breeding, meat for human consumption, prey for domesticated exotic animals, bait for wild animals, fur for clothing, protective guard dogs, cult-rituals, or used as food for surviving animals. The most demanding and highest paying end-users, however, are universities and testing & research laboratories, needing hundreds of thousands of animals each year. Unlicensed dealers and common thieves, collectively known as 'bunchers' will steal your pet for resale. They either sell directly to the end user, or more commonly, sell to USDA-licensed animal dealers (Class B dealer), who in turn sell to end-users. A buncher may get anywhere from $10 - $50 per animal; a licensed dealer may get from $50 - $700, all depending on size, breed, and condition of the animal. Some pounds, shelters, and humane societies may sell 'surplus' dogs and cats to Class B dealers and/or research facilities - a practice commonly called 'pound seizure.' Animals are required by law to be turned over on demand if they are not reclaimed by their guardian or adopted out. Some pounds/shelters/humane societies therefore must sell (and/or choose to sell) animals to Class B dealers or research facilities. To date, only 13 states have outlawed pound seizure: Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia. The Pet Safety and Protection Act introduced to congress several times to date (with-out passing), would close the loop-hole in the Animal Welfare Act and hopefully put an end to this horrendous problem. Future articles will delve further into this topic. If you would like to learn more on your own, the following links would be helpful: Pet Theft Report To Congress S.T.O.P. (Stop Taking Our Pets) Stolen Pets In Defense of Animals People for Animal Rights Follow these tips to guard against theft:
top DOGNAPPERS Part II "SID IS MISSING!" by Sharon Janes, President, Animal House & Company, Inc. Unlicensed dealers and common thieves, collectively known as 'bunchers' will steal your pet for resale. They either sell directly to the end user, or more commonly, sell to USDA-licensed animal dealers (Class B dealer), who in turn sell to end-users. A buncher may get anywhere from $10 - $50 per animal; a licensed dealer may get from $50 - $700, all depending on size, breed, and the condition of the animal. Bunchers steal pets from off the street, from yards and vehicles, and anywhere else the animals are in public view. Bunchers have also stolen dogs from the owner at gunpoint, and other forcable means. But the easiest way for bunchers to obtain animals is through deception: They answer 'free-to-good-home' ads, promising owners they will provide pets with a loving home. Bunchers will say absolutely anything to obtain the animals - they live on a farm and need a dog to watch over their livestock; they are trying to replace a pet that recently died; they want a companion for their sick child; they need a pet for their son or daughter who is grieving the death of a family member, etc. Some bunchers will even use their own children as part of the ploy. Bunchers often go after specific breeds or sizes of dogs. This is because research laboratories place 'orders' for a specific type of animal to USDA-licensed Class B dealers, who in turn call on the bunchers to acquire the animals. What happens to pets once they are stolen? Documented reports from federal, state, and local authorities suggest the stolen animals are often held and transported under horrendous conditions. Animals taken by bunchers, as well as those purchased by Class B dealers, may end up in animal 'concentration camps'. They may face starvation and dehydration (the expenses of providing food and water, and cleaning up waste are ones bunchers won't be burdened with); extreme weather conditions without shelter; and any number of diseases and parasites. Animals may also be forced to survive in severely crowded cages or enclosures, or be chained to stakes or posts, barely able to move ... even discarded appliances have been used as cages. Animals may reside in the 'concentration camps' for several days to many months, although bunchers try to sell their property as quickly as possible. The mortality rate can be high. The sale transactions normally take place at 'flea markets' and 'auctions', sometimes far from where the pets were initially stolen, even several states away. These auctions, which were once public events, are increasingly being held in private in some states, away from the scrutiny of pet owners, government authorities, and the media. In Missouri, regarded as the state with the largest amount of stolen pet trafficking, there are no less than 24 of such public auctions and flea markets, held typically on a weekly or monthly basis. What to do if your pet is missing:
If you believe your pet has been stolen, also take the following action:
For more information:
top DOGNAPPERS - Part III by Sharon Janes, President, Animal House & Company, Inc. "FREE-TO-GOOD-HOME" We see these ads in the newspapers and on bulletin boards. Litters of puppies and kittens - even beloved family pets - who, for one reason or another must be given up. Most people have good intentions when they advertise a pet as "free-to-good-home". They care what happens to the animal and are not interested in making money. All they want to do is find a nice family that is willing to give the pet a loving, responsible, stable home. Unfortunately, most people are not aware of the terrible things that can happen if they don't screen potential new owners carefully. There are unscrupulous people out there that will prey upon these ads and obtain the animals in what ever way is necessary. What can happen to an animal from a "free-to-good-home" ad.
DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO GIVE UP YOUR PET? Do some soul searching and ask yourself if you really have to find a new home for your pet. There's a big difference between being forced to give up your dog and wanting to 'get rid of it'. Search your heart for the real reason why your dog can't live with you anymore. Be honest with yourself. Your answer will probably fall into one of two categories: People Problems or Dog Problems. The Most Common People Problems: "We're moving and we can't find a landlord who'll let us keep our pet." Many landlords don't allow children either but you'd never give up one of your kids if you couldn't find the right apartment. Affordable rental homes that allow pets are out there if you work to find them. People give up too easily. "We don't have enough time for the dog." As a puppy, your dog took far more of your time than they do now. Are you really that busy? Will getting rid of your pet really make your life less stressful? The Most Common Dog Problems: Behavior Problems. If you got your dog as a puppy and it now has a behavior problem you can't live with, you must accept the fact that you are at least partly responsible for the way your dog is now. You have 4 options:
Sometime take a trip to the Humane Society. They keep track of the reasons why people surrender their pet and how many times they've heard the excuse in a given month. It's enlightening. GUIDELINES FOR FINDING A 'GOOD HOME' FOR YOUR PET. If you absolutely must find a new home for your pet, here are some suggestions to keep in mind:
Local Animal Welfare Organization are listed on this web site @ Pet Education, Welfare Groups: Here is an excellent web site on finding a new home for your dog. Even though it is a Siberian Husky Rescue site, the message is applicable to any breed. Siberian Rescue.com Dognapper websites:
S.T.O.P. (Stop Taking Our Pets) Stolen Pets In Defense of Animals People for Animal Rights top |
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