The Kennel Club is lending its support to the Birmingham Dog Watch initiative by providing a microchip scanner to aid authorities in identifying lost or stolen dogs in a bid to speed up their return to their owners whether lost or stolen, continues to work with other concerned authorities in its quest to stem dog theft, and to advise concerned owners how to keep their pets safe.

Dog Watch has been set up by the Birmingham Police for the areas of Quinton, Harborne, Edgbaston, Ladywood, Hockley and Winson Green. Membership of the Dog Watch scheme is free to all dog owners living in these areas.

Local police officers are encouraging residents to join Dog Watch following an increase in dog thefts, which may sadly be connected to dog fighting in the Birmingham area.

Dog Watch aims to help owners to:

Prevent dog theft

Prevent animal cruelty

Promote responsible dog ownership

Promote safety

Assist the police by reporting crime, suspicious activity and anti-social behaviour
Sgt Paul Southern of Hockley Neighbourhood Police Team said ‘We have worked closely with other agencies such as RSPCA and Dog Theft Action to set up this scheme. We are also extremely grateful to the Kennel Club for supplying the police with a scanner.

‘This will enable us to identify dogs that have been stolen and ensure that they are returned to their owners. It will also enable us to take swift action against those committing the offences of stealing dogs for the purposes of dog fighting.’

Through this pioneering initiative by the Birmingham Police Force and, with the advice and support of the Kennel Club, the future for pet dogs in the Birmingham area is looking safer.

The Kennel Club continues to work with other concerned authorities in its quest to stem dog theft, and to advise concerned owners how to keep their pets safe.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary concluded ‘We are very pleased that West Midlands Police are taking such a proactive stance on the issue of dog theft and hope that other forces around the country will also take up this initiative. We urge all owners to be extra vigilant and leave nothing to chance; to ensure your dog is microchipped, and that your details are registered with Petlog www.petlog.org.uk.’