Dognap victim pays £500 ransom to get her three Chihuahua 'babies' back


Dognap victim pays £500 ransom to get her three Chihuahua 'babies' back

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Victoria launched an appeal pleading for the safe return of her pooches which was shared thousands of times on social media.


She believes the publicity surrounding the case may have scared the dognappers and is now "over the moon" to have her pets back before Christmas.


Victoria said: "To see them again was just pure relief. It was like an early Christmas present. The dogs mean more to me than the money. I'm just glad to get them back."


She added: "I think they are the lowest of the low. It hurts me that anybody could go and do something like that."


Police Scotland are still investigating the incident, which happened sometime between 8pm and 11.30pm last Saturday.


Arnot Wilson, co-founder of Pet Theft Awareness, said: "We are delighted that the dogs have been returned to the owner but are sorry that they had to pay a ransom.


"Along with a number of organisations Pet Theft Awareness does not encourage rewards and payment of ransoms.


"We appreciate that these are difficult decisions, particularly the payment of ransoms.


"Ideally, if there is the prospect of reuniting a person's pets through ransom and time allows, then we suggest that the individual should alert the police prior the reunification for


guidance.


"Not reporting the incident can mean the thief is free to continue his trade. However if he is guilty of blackmail under Section 21 of the Theft Act 1968 he can be liable to imprisonment for


a term not exceeding fourteen years.


"With the lack of deterrents for stealing pets, we believe every opportunity should be made to involve the police and get convictions where possible.


"We also believe that the introduction of compulsory microchipping of dogs on April 6 2016 will be a deterrent but only if accompanied by compulsory scanning."


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