An alert remains among pet owners in Cancún due to the increase in reports of missing dogs, mainly purebred animals or those considered high-value.
According to the Luum Balicheo Animal Protection Society A.C., between two and three reports of missing dogs are received daily from different parts of the city.
In addition, the organization has received cases in which owners allegedly receive requests for money in exchange for recovering their pets.
How many dogs go missing per day in Cancún?
According to reports from the animal protection organization, between two and three dogs are currently reported missing every day in Cancún.
The cases come from different areas and superblocks of the city. Therefore, the organization considers that the problem is not limited to a specific sector.
In some cases, the pets reportedly left their homes without their owners being able to determine how the disappearance occurred.
Afterward, families turn to social media, posters, and advertisements in an attempt to locate them.
Why might purebred dogs be stolen?
The organization identifies different reasons that could be behind the theft of pets.
One of them is to obtain a financial reward through the supposed return of the animal.
On the other hand, some dogs could end up in other cities, such as Mérida or Chetumal, with the intention of selling them.
In addition, purebred animals or those considered high-value may be a target for people seeking to make a profit from their sale.
Another possibility mentioned by the association is to use them as breeding animals in clandestine breeding facilities and subsequently sell their offspring.
Oso, one of the cases that attracted attention
Among the cases remembered by the organization, Oso’s case stands out, a Labrador dog whose search lasted several months.
His owners put up a banner in the Crucero area and offered a reward of 25,000 pesos for information that could help recover the animal.
Digital platforms have become an essential tool for locating missing dogs.
When a pet goes missing, owners usually post photographs, physical characteristics, the place where it was last seen, and contact numbers.
Likewise, some families offer rewards to obtain information that could help locate the animal.
However, sharing too many details can also facilitate possible fraud attempts.
What should you do if someone claims to have your dog?
If a person claims to have found a missing pet, it is advisable to:
- Request current photographs or videos of the dog
- Ask for specific information that can verify that they actually have the animal
- Avoid handing over money without first verifying the person’s identity and the situation
- Keep messages, phone numbers, and other evidence from the conversation
In case of suspected fraud or a crime, file a report with the appropriate authorities.
Pet theft can also have legal consequences
The problem is not only a concern for owners. It can also involve issues related to animal protection and welfare in Quintana Roo.
According to information shared by the organization, the theft of a pet may have property-related legal implications.
In addition, the conditions in which the animal is found may be related to regulations against animal abuse and exploitation.
State legislation establishes penalties for certain conduct related to animal abuse and exploitation.
How can you prevent dog theft in Cancún?
Given the increase in reports, owners can take simple measures to reduce the risks. First, it is advisable to avoid leaving pets unsupervised in public spaces.
In addition, it is important to make sure that doors, gates, and other entrances to the home remain properly closed.
Likewise, owners should keep the animal’s identification information up to date.
It is also useful to have:
- Recent photographs of the pet
- Documents proving ownership
- Distinctive physical characteristics
- Updated identification information
- Details that make it possible to distinguish the dog from other similar animals
These measures can facilitate the search and, at the same time, help prove ownership if the animal is located.
Source: yucatan
