Beware pet thieves

Each year, 2 million dogs and cats are stolen from U.S. cars and streets.

Some are transported hundreds of miles with no protection from weather extremes, no food or water. Their destination: animal auctions, where USDA-licensed "Class B" dealers acquire hundreds of dogs and cats for medical research, quickly taking them out-of-state where the animals are virtually untraceable. These unscrupulous dealers also obtain animals from "free to good home" advertisements.

Dogs and cats are then forced into crowded enclosures at the dealer's kennels, many dying of exposure, wallowing in their own excrement, eaten by starving pen-mates. Recently a major Class B kennel in the West was shut down by authorities after a whistleblower documented shocking cruelty and abuse.

Never leave your companion animal unattended anywhere; it only takes a minute to steal her. Shelters and veterinarians can provide permanent identification of dogs and cats.

Never advertise a pet in publications, bulletin boards or the internet. These are goldmine for pet thieves. Beware of strangers with children promising good homes.

Cat and dog theft is a multimillion-dollar business fueled by the multibillion-dollar medical research industry. Prevention is easy. Once your dog or cat is stolen, it may already be to late. For more information, phone 224-1361.

BARBARA BONSIGNORE

Concord