Dognap fears for ex-rescue dog
The owner of a former urban search and rescue dog fears her family pet was stolen from her Gnarabup home on Monday morning.
Although the gate was open, Carolyn Ralph said theft was one explanation for why devoted dog Seeka went missing.
“I think someone’s grabbed him. Otherwise, he’d just come home,” Ms Ralph said.
Seeka retired from the Fire and Emergency Services Authority several months ago and the chocolate Labrador was trained to eat at command, which might pose problems to anyone who didn’t know what they were doing.
A $1000 reward was being offered for anyone who could return the animal to Ms Ralph on 0400 739 488.
Although community concerns had been raised about a perceived increase in dog thefts, ranger services co-ordinator Gavin Jennion said there was little evidence to support such speculation.
“Rangers receive approximately one report per day about a dog that has gone missing,” he said.
“The three main concerns owners have when their pet has disappeared is that they have been stolen, eaten a poisonous bait or been hit by a car. While this is occasionally the case, the vast majority of the time the dog has gone walkabout.”
Rangers urged owners to make sure dogs were properly collared with identification so they could be reunited promptly.
“Owners should be reminded that it is their legal responsibility to ensure all dogs are securely confined to their yard, unless being walked on a lead, in a dog exercise area under effective control or travelling in a vehicle,” he said.
