Watch above: Pet owners are on high alert in Saskatoon after several reports of dogs being taken out of backyards. As Carly Robinson reports, social media is playing a key role in making sure people are aware of thieves.
SASKATOON – Reports of dog thefts have been circulating quickly through a public Facebook group, sharing stories of stolen pets in Saskatchewan. A Swift Current woman started the group after noticing many people taking to social media to report the animal thefts.
She hopes to get the word out there and keep other dogs safe.
“We are seeing an increase in awareness,” said Sharice Billett, who notes that dog theft is nothing new.
“I think that if you don’t see it, you don’t know it’s happening. Social media is really a good way to get those points out.”
Billett said she has seen a spike in dog thefts this time of year.
Jasmine Clarke said her dog, Tonto, was taken from her front yard earlier this year. She originally suspected one of her kids had mistakenly left the gate open, until she saw reports of other missing dogs on Facebook.
“I’m pretty sure someone just came in the yard and took him,” Clarke explained on the Saturday.
READ MORE: Saskatoon area man has a dog stolen – for a third time
The Saskatoon SPCA says it has not seen any uncommon spike in the number of missing dogs being reported and reminds pet owners to always report missing animals.
“Get hold of us immediately,” said Marv Le Nabat, with the SPCA.
“It doesn’t matter if the dog is gone 10 minutes. Hopefully your pet will come home, just give us a call and we will take it off the list.”
Billett hopes that the attention on social media will encourage pet owners to be more diligent with protecting their pets. Dog owners can keep their dogs safe by not leaving canines outside unattended overnight, only letting them out in enclosed areas with high fences and keeping the area well lit.
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