Movement aims to prevent dog thefts

The Bark Side, an online community for dog owners, has launched a movement to empower dog lovers to take back control from thieves.

The retailer, which created the HOWL theft prevention app, is aiming to educate dog lovers about how to minimise the risk of dog theft. The retailer has put together some tips for dog walkers, which are freely available.

The company said: “Whilst dog theft is undoubtedly devastating for owners, it is clear that it can be even more traumatic for the stolen dogs themselves. Of those dogs recovered after a theft, there are reports of illness and injury, changed behaviours, puppy farming, and sometimes evidence of even more horrific acts such as dog fighting. 

“That inspired the HOWL motto: Prevention Is Better Than Found.”

The HOWL app is designed to capture evidence of a would-be dog thief, quickly summon help from an emergency contact, and assist the police to investigate and prosecute offender.  The app is designed to capture evidence of a theft or attempted theft, increasing the chances of offenders being identified and prosecuted.