KATHERINE dog owners suspect there are sinister motives behind a recent spate of missing dogs.
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They believe there is a common link between the disappearance of dogs from secure yards.
They believe an organised ring is either:
- Stealing dogs for breeding
- Stealing dogs for sale
- Stealing dogs for illegal fighting
Police do not agree, today saying there is no evidence the tdisappearances are linked.
Katherine Police officer in charge Sen.-Sgt Dave Hamlyn said: “Katherine Police have not received any evidence that would suggest there are any individuals stealing dogs for the purpose of illegal dog fighting or dog breeding operations.
“If anyone has any direct evidence relating to these activities I’d urge them to contact us on 131 444 or through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Some of the Katherine dog owners have formed a social media group to investigate the common links between the disappearances.
Many of them are offering huge rewards for their return of their beloved dogs.
They have gathered evidence of at least 14 dogs being taken from secure yards in the past few months.
“They are only the ones we know about, there will be lots , lots more we haven’t been able to get to,” dog owner Helen Jormanainen said.
Trudy Braun is offering a $2000 reward for the return of her Hooch, a French cross Neo Mastiff.
“I have no doubt there is a gang at work in Katherine.
“I don’t know whether they are still operating here or just came in to take the dogs they wanted,” Mrs Braun said.
“We don’t like to think he’s been taken for fighting but as an entire male, more likely for breeding.
“We reckon the thieves wouldn’t get that much ($2000) for him on the black market that’s why we are saying you will make more money by just getting him back to us.”
Mrs Braun said she left Hooch and another younger dog in their secure yard when she went to work late last month and came home to find him gone.
“There is absolutely no way he could have gotten out, or would have wanted to get out, no he has definitely been stolen.”
She reported the theft to police as have many other dog owners.
Mrs Braun said besides the reward they had now installed security cameras to help protect their remaining dog.
“I would be surprised if he is still in town, if the thieves are still in town, this has been very organised,” she said.
Ms Jormanainen said with three of the thefts, a white utility was seen acting suspiciously in the area.
NT police have been contacted for comment.
Katherine Town Council struggles with the large numbers of dogs in Katherine.
A spokeswoman said an abandoned dog (with no registration tag or microchip) has an uncertain future and is reliant on rehoming strategies to prevent the dog being euthanised.
“The best methods of preventing the need for council ranger intervention is to ensure animals are secure and confined to their property, microchipped, registered, de-sexed and vaccinated,” a spokeswoman said.
“Council rangers are constantly responding to complaints of roaming dogs.
“These complaints are received largely from people calling the council directly or a written complaint can be made through completing a Council Service Request Form. When caught, rangers collect the dogs and the dogs are placed in the pound,” the spokeswoman said.
Council is also bringing back Doggie Day on July 8, to be held on the Civic Centre grounds.
“This will be an opportunity for residents and their dogs to attend the free event, talk to council officers, visit the grooming, vet and dog related stalls. Prizes and dog activities will be also scheduled.
“Council will also implement a Life Time Registration fee for your dog of $125 if your dog is desexed and micro chipped. This will come into effect July 1, 2017.”