Kingussie dog appeal widens as dog thefts spread
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Dog thefts have become a growing concern over the past year with dog prices at their highest due to the increase in demand during the pandemic. "Now coming out the other side of the pandemic, there was hope that dog thefts would reduce but this is however proving to not be the case," says Alice Bugden, co-ordinator for the Tayside and Central Scotland Moorland Group.
"Once again dog owners are becoming victim to their beloved pets being stolen from their homes."
The shocking theft of two beloved springer spaniels from their kennels beside the A9 at Kingussie last week has opened eyes in Badenoch to the growing menace of dog thieves. Now the fuller picture is emerging.
“We have seen a couple of cases in the past week where gamekeepers’ dogs have been stolen from their kennels, these are not only working dogs, a vital part of the keeper’s job, but also beloved pets and friends,” says Ms Bugden.
On the night of July 11 two female springer spaniels were stolen from their kennels in the Kingussie area, one three years old black and white and the other 11 years old liver and white, both microchipped. The older, liver and white spaniel was found dumped in Crieff on Friday.
The second incident happened on Thursday July 15 between 1:30pm and 2:30pm, with two Golden cocker spaniels stolen from their kennels in the Amulree area. Both dogs are microchipped, spayed and are elder dogs.
Victims believe both incidences were planned, with properties thought to have been watched before the thefts occurred.
“We are also still missing a female springer spaniel stolen in October 2020 from the Blairgowrie area and we want to appeal for her safe return as well."
Tayside and Central Scotland Moorland Group believe there needs to be harsher punishments for those involved in dog thefts and an awareness campaign for owners on how to keep dogs safe.
They believe that, while the thefts themselves represent the loss of irreplaceable family members, they are also an animal welfare issue which can no longer be overlooked.
They are making an argent appeal to the public to keep an eye out for these dogs and if anyone has any information, they should contact Police Scotland and Missing Pets, Perth and Kinross Scotland.
(reference number to be reported- 2071 15th July- for the golden cockers & 0728 12th July for the black and white springer)
