And it’s not just rescue centres that need to be alert. All dog owners need to be suspicious.
In our area, there are reports of cold callers purporting to be salesmen who are on the lookout for dogs to use as bait for their fighting dogs. Having knocked at your door, they note which households have dogs and then leave markers outside the house to direct others who come back later and steal the dog(s).
There have even been reports of dogs who are permitted to run off lead out for walks with their owners that are being lured into vans by men with treats, other dogs, pheasant / rabbit callers etc and then being kidnapped.
The practice of dog fighting is barbaric enough: using family pets as bait to perpetuate this evil practice is simply perverted cruelty of the highest order.
Please stay vigilant!