Criminal Ring Targets Dogs in South Charlotte

By: Nicole Pierce

We’ve all done it, left our pets outside while running a quick errand, visiting a neighbor or lying down for a nap. This is a warning to all dog owners because the next time you leave your dog unsupervised, may be the last time you see your dog. Groups of unidentified individuals involved in illegal dog fighting, based inside and around south Charlotte, have been reported for stealing purebreds and small dogs.

The stolen dogs are being used for “bait” to rally up the audience and fighting dogs. If not thrown into the fighting rink, they are used for training future fighting dogs. Most of the stolen dogs have their nails removed and are sometimes forcefully blinded so they are unable to defend themselves when being attacked. Be very cautious of your surroundings. “Scouters” will typically disguise themselves as salesmen or repeatedly drive up and down streets within neighborhoods that allow outside pets. The “scouters” will then leave some type of sticker or mark somewhere visible on the house such as a mailbox or just outside the fence. This will give the “collectors” a clue to which houses to target. Common breeds that are reported stolen are German Shepherds, Labradors, Pit Bulls and many small dogs. Effective protection for your dog is easy. Keep your dog on a leash when walking it-even if it typically does not need one. Make sure your pet is identifiable: use chips, collars and multiple tags. That way if your pet is stolen, it is legally on the record and can be identified if found. Start keeping your pet inside as much as possible and never leave it outside alone and unsupervised. If you believe your pet has been stolen, act immediately. Create a file of a detailed description of your pet, including name, color, size and breed. Include your location and the time you last saw your pet. Place flyers all over your neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods, and contact your local animal shelter. This will not only notify others about your pet, but give a warning to other pet owners. If your pet is missing for 24 hours or more, report to pet Amber alert and call your local shelter.

Pet Amber Alert: http://www.petamberalert.com 1-877-875-7387

Local Animal Shelters:

Humane Society of Charlotte: http://www.humanesocietyofcharlotte.org (704) 377-0534

Precious Paws Rescue Inc: http://www.preciouspawsrescue.com (704) 509-9861

Humane Society of York County: http://www.humanesocietyofyorkcounty.org (803) 802-0902