SPCA warns owners of dog theft syndicate

By Siya Derrick Ngcangisa

EAST LONDON -- Owners here of thoroughbred dogs are living in fear, as a syndicate is stealing their expensive pets.

According to SPCA manager Marie Eekhout, a syndicate is targeting certain breeds in the Eastern Cape. These include Staffordshire terriers -- the show version of the American pitbull terrier -- which are favoured for fighting, and Jack Russells for hunting.

"In all the years I've been with the SPCA I've never seen so many dogs being stolen. We picked up a Staffy that was stolen in October and found another one in Buffalo Flats," Eekhout said.

She said the alleged thieves demand money when the animals are taken from them.

Two weeks ago the SPCA was alerted about two dogs that were being sold. One was claimed by its legal owner and the other adopted.

Eekhout said if someone is approached to buy a stolen dog, they should take the animal and alert the SPCA, or owner if the dog has an identity collar.