By Marcus Uhe
Cranbourne residents have raised concerns about pet safety and a potential dog fighting organisation in the area following reports of stolen dogs, and missing dogs found in poor health.
Taylor Nicholson is the owner of seven-month-old staffie Zane who was allegedly stolen from her home on Monday 3 January this year while she and her family were holidaying.
She described the moment she realised something was amiss.
“I walked around the back, opened the door and my wooden door was open,” Ms Nicholson said.
“I was calling his name and he wasn’t coming.
“We’re devastated, heartbroken. We’re losing sleep and everything.
“We just want our boy back.”
Ms Nicholson reported the case immediately to the Cranbourne Police Station, and it is being investigated.
Alison Praetz is a volunteer with Missing and Stolen Pet Investigators, an organisation that uses social media to help raise awareness of missing animals, free of charge to the pet owner.
Her experience investigating these sorts of cases led her to believe Zane targeted by alleged thieves for the purpose of competition.
“They’re [staffies] the favoured dog to be used in dog fighting rings,” Ms Praetz said.
Dog fighting is illegal in Victoria.
RSPCA Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Inspector Michelle Green said the organisation proactively works to prevent these sorts of illegal activities.
“RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectors are authorised under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 to investigate dog fighting and other animal blood sports such as cock-fighting,” Ms Green said.
“It is an offence for a person to keep, use or assist in the management of a premises for the purpose of causing an animal to fight, or to allow or encourage an animal to fight with another animal.
“Offenders found guilty of an offence under the Act may be liable for charges up to $90,870 or 2 years imprisonment.”
Ms Green went on to say that any animal suspected to have been involved in a fight should be taken to a professional for treatment
“When dogs are injured, the owners may attempt to treat the injuries themselves rather than risk being reported by an attendant veterinarian.
“This then places the dog’s health and welfare at even greater risk.”
Ms Praetz referred to an incident last year where two dogs, including another staffie, were found in Cranbourne West wetlands with injuries she believes were caused by dog fighting competitors.
Their teeth had been filed down, there were wounds on the dogs’ legs and their snouts were taped shut, according to one of the owners.
Any pet can be used as bait for dogs training to fight.
Holiday periods are a common time for dogs to go missing or be stolen according to Ms Praetz, with prolonged periods of owners being away from their homes presenting ample opportunities for potential thieves.
Ms Nicholson issued a plea to those responsible for Zane’s disappearance.
“To the people that have my dog, please just do the right thing. It’s not their pet.
“My daughters are two and five and they miss him so much. It’s disgusting how people can take others’ animals.”
Advice for ensuring pet safety at home included installing CCTV, keeping pets indoors overnight, padlocking gates and using a lockable lead.
To raise awareness of a missing pet with Ms Praetz’s organisation, head to facebook.com/MissingandStolenPetInvestigatorsAustralia/
RSPCA Victoria encourages anyone with allegations relating to dog fighting to make a report to RSPCA Victoria via the website or by calling 03 9224-2222.
Anyone with information regarding Zane or any other stolen animal is urged to report the information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime/
If you have your pet stolen, Victoria Police urge you to contact your local police station.
