Shooting UK is your complete shooting resource. From gun reviews to shotgun licence and firearms certificate information, to clay pigeon shooting, game shooting, shooting lessons and gundog training.
Working dog thefts double in past year
Cocker spaniels are the breed most targeted by thieves but all working dogs are at risk
By Joe Dimbleby
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
DogLost reports a preseason surge in gundog thefts as Shooting Times launches its free lost-and-found dog service
Last month saw a huge increase in reports of working gundog thefts, which have almost doubled in the past year according to DogLost, the national organisation that helps owners find missing dogs. The most targeted dogs are lurchers and cocker spaniels, though all breeds are potential targets for thieves. Jane Hayes of DogLost said: “We have an average of 100 to 120 dogs reported missing every week. Eighty per cent are stolen and the majority are working dogs. I would say the number of thefts reported has doubled in the past year.”
Thieves are targeting kennels and gundog trainers in search of trained gundogs, which can fetch thousands of pounds. It is not known where the majority of stolen dogs end up but Jane Hayes believes many are being sold on to newcomers to shooting who are looking for ready-trained gundogs, explaining the surge in the run-up to the season. She said: “I would urge anyone buying a dog to ask for the paperwork and check it thoroughly. I am amazed by how many people discover a dog they have paid for belongs to someone else after a scan at the vet reveals a microchip.”
The rest of this article appears in 25th August issue of Shooting Times.
What is YOUR opinion?
Join other ST readers in our forums to discuss your views.
Like this article? Mark this page on a social bookmarking website...
What are social bookmarking sites?
Guns
Subsonic .22LR ammunition review
Subsonic .22LR ammunition review: The .22 rimfire is a great vermin ri... Read more
News
Scottish snaring decision unveiled
The Scottish Government has today revealed its policy on the use of sn... Read more
What's in this issue?
Don't miss this week's Shooting Times (on sale Wednesday 22nd May)! Get your FREE BOOKLET containing 24-pages of top gundog training tips! Plus, Tim Bonner goes wildfowling on the Blackwater estuary! Buy your copy today!
Subscribe to magazine
- Subscribe |
- Renew |
- Gift subscription |
- Find newsagent |
- FAQ |
- Contact us
Subscribe to Shooting Times
Subscribe today to Shooting Times magazine - The UK's leading weekly shooting title!
WIN! A Bowman Clay Trap worth £1,000
Shooting Times are giving away a fantastic Compact 150 automatic trap plus mini barrow from Bowman
Comments