Never leave your pet unattended. Whether you're out shopping and you tie your pet to a pole while you go in the store, or whether the pet is in the yard, a theft could take place in under 10 seconds.
Never leave your pet alone in your car. A criminal will think nothing of breaking your window to get your pet. It is also dangerous for your pet to be confined in a vehicle exposed to extreme heat or cold, and without proper ventilation. When the temperature outside is 80 degrees or higher, in less than 10 minutes, the temperature in your car can reach 102 degrees — even with the window partially open.
Never leave your pet alone in an unlocked backyard. Your pet's fenced play area should not be easily accessible to strangers from the street or alley.
Never walk your dog without a leash; it’s the law. Your pet can be struck by a motor vehicle or easily abducted by a person in a passing car. Pets also can be lost when they chase a person or another animal.
Never allow pets to roam the streets and alleys unattended. It can be dangerous for others and your pet.
Never list your address in newspaper ads that mention your pets. Remember, ads for “free to good home” can attract people with bad intentions.
Remember, your companion animal relies on you …so get involved! Verify the credentials and references of any animal day care or boarding facilities with which you may leave your pet. Provide your pet with an identification (a microchip or a collar with tags) that includes your name, address, and telephone number.
Call 311 to report any suspicious activities or a lost or stray animal. Call 911 if you see dog fighting or animal abuse in progress.
Attend your CAPS beat community meetings. Call 311 to find out the date
and location.
Educate yourself about pet theft, dog fighting and other criminal activities in your neighborhood. Become a Court Advocate, join CAPS and its partner D.A.W.G. (Dog Advisory Work Group), and go to court along with the police to stand up against those who fight/abuse pets.
Contact the CAPS office at (312) 747-9987, or D.A.W.G. at (312) 409-2169 or www.dawgsite.org. Ask for a presentation on animal abuse and its cycle of violence for your next CAPS meeting, school association meeting or gathering at a place of worship. |
