Valle Colino dog refuge in Santa Cruz would like to notify all pet owners that there are numerous dog thefts being committed on a constant basis throughout the Canary Islands.
All types of dogs are being targeted for theft, depending on the purpose of the animal sought by the criminals. They steal dogs of any breed, age or size to use as bait while training their fighting dogs. Above all they are stealing many pedigree dogs (regardless of age) to breed them and sell their puppies via the internet or through a newspaper. There have been instances where dogs have been stolen right out of their owner’s property.
To avoid this happening to your dog:

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG TIED UP OUSTIDE ANY SHOP
WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR DOG FOR A WALK IN THE PARK, OR ANY OPEN AREA KEEP THEM UNDER CONTROL.
Once your pedigree dog has been ear-marked by the perpetrator, they may use any amount of diverse methods to steal the dog; taking advantage of an oblivious owner, especially looking for females in heat, or males that have not yet been castrated etc… Normally they will have a getaway vehicle waiting.

ALWAYS WALK YOUR DOG ON A LEAD IN THE STREET

NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE IN A CAR, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE PARKED IN AN UNDERGROUND CAR PARK.

NEVER LET YOUR DOG WALK HIMSELF. It is very common for owners to just let their dogs out to do their business unsupervised, but even though your dog may not stray very far from home you don’t expect anything untoward to happen, but one day your dog may not return home. It is better to spend five minutes walking your dog so that he can do his business under supervision rather than letting him go by himself and possibly never return.

There is mafia all over the island, around every corner and in the most unexpected places. Please take this advice and help diminish the amount of dog thefts, and keep your pets safe and under control so they do not suffer the consequences.
Source: Tenerife News