Thursday, February 27, 2014

Owners distraught after French bulldog stolen from garden


A French bulldog puppy has been snatched from a garden surrounded by a 20ft wall only a few months after moving in with her new family.
Seven-month-old pup Paris was swiped from the back garden on Commerce Place, Aberdare, while her family were in the house.
Now it is feared the playful pooch has either been sold on or forced to fight against trained canines in illegal “dog-baiting” bouts.
Paris’ owner Claire Dillon said the family are devastated by the crime.
“I had gone inside the house with the kids to watch a helicopter from the window,” Claire, 38, said.
“Paris had only been out there for about ten minutes and she is normally waiting for me at the door.
“As soon as I walked out there, I had a feeling something was wrong.”
Mum-of-four Claire knows that pedigree pets like Paris can fetch up to £1,500 on the black market.
“I can’t believe this has happened to us,” she said.
“It’s unbelievable the way they have taken her.
“There is literally a 20ft wall at the back of the house with 6ft and 7ft fences around the garden.”
And now charity Rhondda Animals in Need has warned stolen dogs may be used as bait for brutal blood sports.
Linda Webb, who has worked at the Penygraig-based charity for 23 years, said: “There have been so many dogs stolen in the area recently. I can’t believe it.”
And Linda advised that dog owners can do simple things to protect their pets.
“It only takes two minutes to steal a dog,” she said.
She advised owners to fit them with a dog tag and not to leave their dogs unattended in the garden.
South Wales Police (SWP) said they are aware of the theft and are urging people to come forward with any information.
“It is obviously distressing to have a loved pet stolen,” an SWP spokesman said.
Paris has a distinctive bald patch near her left rib. Anyone with any information can contact SWP on 101.

(Reproduced from WalesOnline, 27th Feb)

Gardien Comment:  Keep them out of your property. See the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/walls-fences-security.aspx

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