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You've probably heard of "house flipping," buying a run-down house for cheap, fixing it up, and selling it for more. But a growing number of criminals are taking a similar concept, but with man's best friend.
ABC News reports about a scam called "dog flipping," where thieves steal dogs and put them up for sale on Craigslist. According to the American Kennel Club, around 350 dogs have been stolen across the country during the first half of the year alone. Some unsuspecting buyers have picked up what they think is a new best friend, only to check its microchip and discover it had been stolen from its family.
Dog owner Kara Lowe told ABC News that she tracked down her Yorkie, Sushi, by searching on Craigslist. She bought the dog for $250, scanned its chip, and sure enough, it was her beloved pup. And this has been happening for several years now across the country.
"Dog flipping is a horrible experience for the dog. It rips them away from their loving family and they end up with a stranger," American Kennel Club Reunite CEO Tom Sharp told the New York Daily News.
If your dog is missing, check online ads. If you see your pet, call authorities and have your ownership documents handy to prove it's yours. If you want to prevent this from happening, spay or neuter your dog (which you should do anyway) to decrease the incentive for thieves to nab him or her for breeding. And finally, always microchip your pets so it's easier to reunite with them, and never leave them unattended outside.
