Jackie’s dognap could point to illegal breeding racket

With the cost of pets, especially pedigree dogs on the rise, animal lovers are now demanding better security measures in place to ensure the safety of their pets.

In the case of Jackie, which was lured with biscuits, animal activists say that it was unlikely that an older dog is taken as a pet. “Illegal breeding and sale of pedigree dogs is also a key reason why they are abducted. Labradors, Golden Retriever, Pugs, Pomeranians, German Shepherds, Beagles and other such pedigree dogs are in high demand in the city. While Labrador puppies are sold for at least Rs 2000 – Rs 5,000, a healthy Golden Retriever or Rottweiler pup cost in the range of Rs 20,000 – Rs 30,000,” says a private dog breeder on condition of anonymity. “Unethical breeders are constantly on the lookout for healthy adults for breeding purposes – both male and female dogs.”

Animal lovers allege that such incidents are likely to rise in the absence of any registry for animals and breeding groups. They say that there is a need to sensitise the police on dealing with animal theft cases, and calls for practices such as implanting microchips in dogs to curb thefts. “Madras Veterinary College has recently introduced micro chipping of dogs and if proper dog registries are maintained, it will reduce such cases,” opined a dog lover.

“There are very few groupsof dog breeders that are licensed. As there is no formal registration of animals or breeders, many abduct dogs and breed them for money. A uniform registry of animals along with microchips would help to keep track if they go missing,” says Sai Vignesh, animal activist and member of Almighty Animal Care Trust.