I was told tonight that the most notorious dog thieves in the UK are back for the winter in Bristol. These 'people' have been implicated in dog thefts all over the country. Including the theft of two ex Spanish racing greyhounds from Battersea Dogs Home.
At this time of year they are most interested in dogs for illegal coursing. As the gambling forms a part of their income. However they also steal gundogs, terriers and bull breeds for fighting. As well as in the summer any dog for ransom.
Because they are based in Bristol they have easy access to both the M4 and M5 corridors. Anyone who is within easy reach of these motorways should be extra careful for the next few months. Do not leave your dogs unattended where they can be seen, in the garden that kind of thing. Be wary of strangers asking about your dogs and perhaps following you home. I know that this sounds paranoid but trust me you do not want these people to know where you live or with some breeds/types of running dogs even see them. They are very dangerous people who think nothing of attacking people to get their dogs from them.
Be very careful when leaving your dogs in the car on their own at motorway services, in fact don't do it. In particular at Aust services on the English side of the Old Severn Crossing. This is known to be a change over point for shipping dogs out of the UK to Ireland.
And yes the police do know of them.
At this time of year they are most interested in dogs for illegal coursing. As the gambling forms a part of their income. However they also steal gundogs, terriers and bull breeds for fighting. As well as in the summer any dog for ransom.
Because they are based in Bristol they have easy access to both the M4 and M5 corridors. Anyone who is within easy reach of these motorways should be extra careful for the next few months. Do not leave your dogs unattended where they can be seen, in the garden that kind of thing. Be wary of strangers asking about your dogs and perhaps following you home. I know that this sounds paranoid but trust me you do not want these people to know where you live or with some breeds/types of running dogs even see them. They are very dangerous people who think nothing of attacking people to get their dogs from them.
Be very careful when leaving your dogs in the car on their own at motorway services, in fact don't do it. In particular at Aust services on the English side of the Old Severn Crossing. This is known to be a change over point for shipping dogs out of the UK to Ireland.
And yes the police do know of them.
