Security and Protection

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 11:29 pm Post subject: Security and Protection

Another of LL's roles is helping to get Labs identified should they be lost or stolen.

By law your dog must wear an ID tag. There can be up to a 5k fine for failure to adhere to this.

Lostlabs has it's own tags for sale......we wanted to be able to offer all relevant info on them as well as being pleasing to the eye. Lostlab tags These tags can also contain a green cross as a warning of a medical condition.

So, having ensured your pup has a tag, then comes the question of whether you want any further protection.

You can have you pup Tattooed. http://www.dog-register.co.uk/.
Some vets don't see the need for them / know of them / do them. We always recommend the National tattoo register. This way all records are held under one umbrella ( unlike many microchip companies )

Quite a few LF'ers have already had their pups tattooed, a sutble one of prick creating a unique row of numbers and letters inside one ear. A search on LF will bring up their stories. We provided a tattooist at last years main GT and will be doing again this year.

A tattoo is a visable deterrant. Stats show a stolen pup with a tattoo will be dumped within 20 miles / mins when the thieves inspect their ' prize ' and see it is of no marketable value. Pups can be tattoed from 6 weeks infact some breeders actually tattoo their litters before they go to their new homes. Cost is a one off £20.

Then there is Microchipping, usually carried out at the vets and can be done as soon as the new pup comes home. There are also 'outside ' qualified chippers who do an equally good job. Costs vary depending who you use but an average would be £25.
Although some dog agencies etc offer deals every now and then especially to those on benefits or the elderly.

We would always recomend the chip is routinely scanned when you visit your vet because chips can and do migrate or stop working.
Because of this I personally tattoo and chip my animals.

DNA profiling is becoming more popular and available now also. Although some companies require samples to go to USA for processing.

So, your pup is now protected....now what.....? Well we suggest

Always be aware on walks....there are many tricks of the thieving trade.... be aware of stange questions from strangers. Consider not doing the same walk at the same time every day.
Make sure your garden is secure. With a good couple of bolts on the gate.
Don't leave your pup in the garden if you are out.
Don't leave your pup outside a shop ( you will be amazed how many do )
We have had a few dogs stolen from cars while the owner had ' just popped into Sainsbury's '.

Always remember your pup has no voice. He/she can't tell the dog warden where home is......only you can do that by giving them ID and a voice

Sadly many dogs go from sofa to vets needle in 7 days because they have no ID.