>about vets get scanning
The aim of the Vets Get Scanning appeal is:
- We want all vets to adopt a practice policy where all dogs are scanned on their first visit, as well as the back log of dogs that they have registered but have never been scanned.
- This is the only time a stolen microchipped dog that has been sold to the unsuspecting public will have of coming into contact with a scanner.
- This will result in stolen dogs being reunited with their rightful owners.
- We also believe that Permanent ID and the routine Scanning of all dogs are powerful weapons in the fight against Dog Theft.
A Microchip is useless to a stolen dog, unless Vets Get Scanning!
There has been a 74% increase in Dog Theft in London over the last two years according to statistics released by the Metropolitan Police in February 2007 and is one of the biggest growing crimes in the UK. All dogs are at risk; all sizes, breeds and ages are being stolen from cars, gardens, tied up outside shops or even when being walked in a park. Vets are the missing link and both dogs and their owners need their help in halting this heart breaking crime. It is a fact that stolen microchipped dogs are being sold to the unsuspecting public and Vets are the only hope of these dogs getting back home.
We can find no valid reason why Vets are not scanning and we are asking them to help. Responsible pet owners are microchipping their pets believing that a full reunification service is in place. The present system only works for lost pets or pet’s involved in an accident needing emergency treatment when no owner is present. The microchip becomes useless for stolen dogs that have been sold on, as once a dog enters a veterinary practice with a collar and lead on attached to a new owner no check will be made.
Please send or take the Vets letter, which you can download from this web site, to your vet.
Please sign our online petition.
Please ask your local pet shop or dog groomers to support us. We can send them postcards to hand out.
Please tell other pet owners about our website.
Debbie,
Gizmo & Widget
Message from Sylvia Tabor:
I have owned dogs all my life and was not aware of the enormity of dog theft until I saw a TV programme about Lionel Blair’s missing dog, Florence (who has been missing since February 2006). On seeing this I registered with Alfies Lost Terriers a web site which helps find missing dogs.
Widget and Gizmo appeared on this web site in May and after they were recovered through the GMTV appeal it became apparent to Bruce Forsyth and Debbie that if they had solely been relying on the current situation regarding vets not scanning, they would still be looking for their dogs. This is why they started the idea of Vets Get Scanning. I contacted Debbie and we agreed that as I was running a stand for missing dogs at Fairs and Shows I should take the campaign to the public to test their opinion. I found them extremely supportive and this led to the launch of the VGS appeal at Discover Dogs in November 2006.
For vets to adopt this policy I believe many dogs would be returned to their devastated owners and it would help alleviate dog theft.
I passionately believe in this campaign and am totally committed.
Sylvia
and her blind dog, Sam
Below are a few of the events Vets Get Scanning will be attending in the near future. This calendar will be regularly updated so do check back again:
M.G.F.T. - 12th August 2007
Annual Companion Dog Show and Family Fun Day
Margaret Green Foundation Trust
Church Knowle, Wareham Dorset
www.animalsanctuaryuk.com
BCACS - 11th/12th/13th August 2007
Bournemouth Canine Association Championship Show. New Park Brockenhurst, Foxholes
Cottage, Poole Road, Sturminster Marshall, Wimbourne, Dorset, BH21 3RR.
Mrs. D. Courtney, For more information visit:
www.thekennelclub.org.uk
STOUR ROW NOVELTY DOG SHOW - 26th August 2007
Great House Farm, Stour Row, Nr. Shaftesbury Dorset. 2pm onwards.
For more information Tel. 01747 838802
PETS GARDEN PARTY – SEPTEMBER 2ND 2007
Marc Abraham the TV vet is hosting the PETS garden party. Zoe Ball will crown the Bravest Pet in Sussex Featuring an Exotic Animal Display.
3.00pm – 7.00pm
Wickwoods Country Club, Albourne,
West Sussex BN6 9DY
See www.pets-brighton.com for more details.
D.A.W.G Fun Dog Show 2nd September 2007
Amberwood Farm, Tiptoe Nr.Lymington Hants
11.00 onwards
For more info visit: www.dawgdogs.co.uk
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Annual Reunion -
9 Sept 2007
Come and join us at our 13th Annual Reunion, a chance for all the dogs which we have found new homes for to bring their families along for fun filled day in the park!
See www.dogshome.org for more details.
PAWS IN THE PARK DOG SHOW - 22nd - 23rd Sept 2007
The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood, Kent. Situated on the A228 between Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells. 10am to 6pm
For more information: www.mdsshows.co.uk
DISCOVER DOGS - 10th – 11th November 2007
Held at Earls Court 2, London.
For more information visit:
www.thekennelclub.org.uk
CARA TRAINING DOG SHOW - 22nd JULY 2007
To be held at:
Sway Manor Hotel Village Centre,
Sway Lymington,
Hampshire SO41 6BA
from: 13.30 - 18.00
All entry fees will be donated to The Labrador Rescue Trust
For more information visit:
www.caradogtraining.com
IT’S ME OR THE DOG - 12th July
Programme highlighting Dog Theft and the
Widget and Gizmo's story.
Channel 4 at 8.30pm
For more information on Victoria Stilwell:
www.victoriastilwell.com
www.channel4.com
National Microchipping Month – JUNE 2007
The Kennel Club and Petlog Annual Event.
Find an event near you on: www.nationalmicrochippingmonth.org.uk
CRUFTS - 8th – 11th March 2007
Held at the NEC, Birmingham.
VGS is on the Dog Theft Action Stand 106 Hall 2.
Victoria Stilwell from ‘It’s Me Or The Dog’ will present a scanner on our behalf on Saturday 10th March at 10.45am to Rough Collie Rescue (Midlands).
Marc Abraham TV Vet on The New Paul O’Grady Show will present a scanner on our behalf on Sunday 11th March at 11.45am to Lincolnshire, Essex & Trent Boxer Rescue.
For more information on Crufts visit:
www.thekennelclub.org.uk