The country’s largest dog welfare charity is warning local dog owners to be on their guard following the suspected theft of a two year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier on Sunday.

Neutered and microchipped, Jasmine was last seen in the enclosed back garden of a Mitcham property and the charity fears she may have been stolen.

A spokesperson for the charity explains:

“Sadly, all too often we hear of pedigree and crossbreed dogs being stolen; for breeding, for hunting, for selling on to unsuspecting members of the public, held for ransom and worst of all, for use by dog fighting rings.
Thousands of dogs are stolen in the UK every year. It can be very difficult to get your dog back if he or she is stolen, so prevention is definitely better than cure.”
The charity provides 5 top tips to help ensure the safety of your dog:
1. Have your dog microchipped – and remember to update your contact details if you move house or change telephone numbers.
2. Make sure your dog has a collar and tag with your name, address and phone number on it. This is a legal requirement.
3. If your dog is neutered, consider attaching a tag stating this on his collar. This may put off certain types of thieves, especially if your dog is pedigree.
4. Never leave your dog unattended outside a shop, in a parked car or an unobserved garden.
5. If your dog is stolen, immediately report it to the police and contact your local dog warden.
If you have seen Jasmine or have any information on her whereabouts please contact Megan on 07852 345731 or 07834 049773 anytime. Confidentiality guaranteed.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Jasmine is a black, two year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier with a white chest, white paws and white stripe on her face. She was last seen in an enclosed garden in Mitcham. Any sightings or information should be directed to Megan on 07852 345731 or 07834 049773.

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and cares for 16000 dogs every year through its network of 17 rehoming centres.

For more information please contact
Krystyna McGrath  Press Officer
0207 833 7616  krystyna.mcgrath@dogstrust.org.uk