An attempted dog theft in Connecticut highlights the dangers of online pet exchanges. Gucci, a Yorkie Poo, was found by a good Samaritan and brought to animal control. A person then attempted to claim Gucci, even using fake vet documents. This incident emphasizes the importance of bringing found animals directly to animal control and verifying information before reuniting with a pet.
The worry is that this could be happening behind animal control’s back more than anyone might realize. 'He's part of our family, I call him my second son,” said Ashley of Wallingford, talking about her Yorkie Poo named Gucci. Nine-year-old Gucci ran out of the house on Thursday. Thankfully, a good Samaritan posted on Facebook that he found Gucci and brought him to Wallingford Animal Control.
Because of this good Samaritan’s help in bringing Gucci to animal control, he and Ashley were reunited only three hours after he went missing. Wallingford Animal Control said another person came into the office, trying to take Gucci home. They even went as far as allegedly providing fake veterinarian documents. “They are known through animal control officers through the state as someone who tries to gain free dogs or tries to claim,” Wallingford Animal Control Officer Mitch Gibbs said. Gibbs said people in Connecticut should have awareness that there are people out there who would take advantage of the dozens of 'found dog' posts that hit Facebook daily. “If the animal changed hands via Facebook, you know, the owner might never really know and just think their dog is gone,” Gibbs said. He said if you find an animal, bring it to animal control first. Next, you can share on Facebook that the animal is in good hands with animal control. That allows the pet’s real family to reunite with their furry friend after the officers can verify the correct owners. 'It could have possibly gone another way,” said Ashley, who says this experience was eye-opening.'I just think the thought of them not being able to return home or someone claiming ownership to resell or whatever they’d want to do with the animal is really scary.' She is updating Gucci’s tag with the correct information and encourages other pet owners to do the same. Wallingford Animal Control also encourages pet owners to microchip their furry friends to help with identification, too.Kathryn Schubert of the Humane Society said situations like this happen all too frequently if people exchange pets through improper channels without verification. While it’s helpful to share that you are missing a pet online, sharing that you found a pet can take some extra verification. “The most difficult thing about social media is that it can act as a positive and negative and making sure that you are sharing the right things online and doing your research with anybody who, maybe steps forward with information is really important,” Schubert said. In addition to reaching out to animal control, if you lose or find a pet, Schubert also recommends reaching out to veterinarians, rescue groups and groomers who might be in the know.Wallingford Animal Control said they're gathering information for a case, with the potential of charges against the person who tried to claim Gucci as theirs
FOUND ANIMALS ANIMAL CONTROL FACEBOOK PET THEFT VERIFICATION
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dog Behaviour Expert Reveals Top 3 Dog Breeds for BeginnersTikTok dog behaviourist Will Atherton shares his insights on the easiest dog breeds to train and live with. He recommends Labrador Retrievers, English Mastiffs, and Golden Retrievers based on his experience with minimal behavioural issues.
Read more »
Fifth of dog owners have considered shoplifting dog food over costA similar amount have thought about giving their dogs away
Read more »
Top Dog Trainer Reveals His Dream Dog BreedsProfessional dog trainer Will Atherton shares his three favorite dog breeds to work with, citing their trainability, loyalty, and intelligence. He highlights the Cane Corso for its athleticism and relative health, the German Shepherd for its versatility and trainability, and the Labrador Retriever for its friendly and eager-to-please nature.
Read more »
Dog Trainer Picks Top 3 BreedsProfessional dog trainer Will Atherton reveals his three favorite dog breeds to work with.
Read more »
XL Bully Dog Tasered After Allegedly Killing Another DogPolice used Tasers and riot shields to subdue an XL Bully-type dog suspected of killing another dog in Nottingham.
Read more »
Young dog found dead in beauty-spot reservoir in 'suspicious circumstances'The RSPCA is investigating
Read more »