One of the issues that was raised with us when your Focus Team was out talking to people earlier this week was fear of dogs being stolen while their owners are walking them.

Claire has raised this with the police who advise:

• Be in control of your dog at all times – make sure you can call the dog back if it’s off a lead and if you’re on your own in an isolated area consider keeping them on the lead.
• Be aware of your surroundings and walk in a group if possible.
• Take a mobile phone with you.
• Make sure your dog is chipped.
• Don’t leave dogs tied up outside shops or in other public places.
• Report any suspicious activity to the police and give them as much information as you can – time, place, descriptions, vehicle registrations. The police officer who gave this advice said that some people don’t want to bother them because they know the police are stretched, but the more information they have the better. You can report non-urgent issues on 101.

The Blue Cross also offer advice on their website.

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