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Debbie
Matthews, daughter of Bruce Forsyth, is launching an appeal
called 'Vets Get Scanning' at the Discover
Dogs Show at Earls Court on 11th and 12th November 2006.
Debbie's two dogs, Widget and Gizmo, were stolen from her
car in May 2006. Debbie believes that it was only because
of an appeal on GMTV that she got her dogs back. |
The
publicity surrounding this case has raised awareness to all pet
owners but has also exposed the very real need for vets to start
scanning all dogs that come into their practices. Debbie and her
family are aware that if it was not for the celebrity of Bruce
Forsyth, they might not have been reunited with their dogs. By
starting the ‘Vets Get Scanning’ appeal they hope
to help other dog owners who might end up in a similar traumatic
situation.
With dog theft a very real and growing UK crime, now is the time
for action. While some breeds of dog are more likely to be stolen
than others, dog theft can happen to any dog of any breed and
any size. Stolen dogs are then often sold on to unsuspecting members
of the public or used for fights and other illegal practices.
Of course, we all need to take some responsibility and do what
we can to safeguard our dogs. Our article called Lost
Dog – Things You Can Do will tell you more about the
measures you can take.
One of the main things dog owners are encouraged to do it to get
their dogs microchipped. But this appeal shows that microchipping
alone won’t bring your dog back unless your dog happens
to get scanned for a chip at some point after it is stolen.
Vets
are currently left to set their own procedures with regards scanning
for microchips. But there is no valid reason why vets should not
be scanning all dogs on a regular basis. Vets are being reminded
about the valuable role that scanning for microchips can play
in helping to reunite stolen pets with their owners.
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The
‘Vets Get Scanning’ appeal aims to help thousands
of stolen microchipped dogs to get back home to their rightful
owners.
www.vetsgetscanning.co.uk |
A temporary page is currently showing while the website is under
construction but the finished webpage will be available in a couple
of weeks.
There will be an online petition to sign and the site provides
you with a letter to download, print, sign and take along to your
local vet.
Also
of interest:
Dog Theft Action
Another action group, Dog Theft Action (DTA), aim to draw attention
to the serious crime of dog theft. They want the government to take
dog theft more seriously and the various bodies who deal with dog
theft to better collate and share information about missing and
found dogs. To read more about DTA visit the Dog Theft Action section
of our Charities page.
Jester’s
Law
Another case worthy of note here is Jester’s
Law. Jester’s Law campaigns for scanning policies to be
implemented within the Highways Agency, Network Rail and local government
authorities.
Dolly's Directive
This campaign aims to make it a requirement for any organisation
that comes into contact with a dog (vets, charities, re-homing centres,
groomers) to check for permanent ID, including microchips and tattoos.
Click here for more information about Dolly's
Directive.
Petloc
Security Dog Lead
Petloc is a revolutionary new dog lead designed to secure
and protect against dog theft. Petloc incorporates combination
locks and a reinforced steel cable.
Protects against dog theft
Click
here to purchase |
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