A MELTON woman whose dog was found bruised and battered after four days believes it was stolen for use as a ‘‘bait dog’’ for illegal dog fighting.
Fourteen-month-old Siberian husky Hermoine was taken from the secure backyard of Melton West resident Anastasia, who did not want her last name used, on July 22 for the second time this month.
Hermoine was later found about eight kilometres away in Long Forest with a black cable tie around her neck. She had been shaved, had bite marks, burst capillaries and pneumonia.
Anastasia said that, earlier, her dog was found 30 kilometres from home in Exford after being taken on July 15. “Police informed me two weeks ago my dog was suspected to be targeted by thieves who go around marking fences and stealing dogs then selling them as bait dogs for the illegal fighting rings,” she said.
Anastasia said she and her partner kept the dog indoors for a week after it was taken the first time but decided to let Hermoine outside for a few hours last week while she left her house. When she returned, the dog was gone.
The Weekly reported on July 9 that a Taylors Lakes man, who had his blue Staffordshire terrier stolen from his backyard, also suspected it was targeted by an illegal fighting ring.
Similar reports have been received in Sunbury.
RSPCA Victoria’s senior inspector Daniel Bode said that despite the speculation, he was not aware of any instances where dogs had been stolen for the purpose of organised dog fighting.
“Pet owners should have their dogs securely confined to their property, wearing identification and implanted with a microchip and ensuring their contact details are up to date. They should report any suspicious behaviour to police,” he said.
“Victoria Police and the RSPCA will thoroughly investigate reports of organised dog fighting.”
