Six bulldogs kidnapped from animal shelter – police are looking for witnesses!

Six bulldogs kidnapped from animal shelter – police are looking for witnesses!

In the early hours of Whit Monday, a shocking incident at an animal shelter in Dorf Mecklenburg caused a stir. Unknown perpetrators broke into the facility at around 2:30 a.m. and stole a total of six Old English Bulldogs. Among the animals stolen was a mother and her three puppies. The perpetrators left behind an estimated loss of around 2,000 euros, and thefts from animal shelters are an extremely sensitive issue that is increasingly arousing public interest, especially when considering the background of the illegal animal trade.

On Monday, the dog and her puppies were discovered in an empty apartment in Warin and immediately handed over to the responsible veterinary office. However, the bitter news doesn't stop there. There is still no trace of the two remaining dogs, while the affected female dogs, believed to have been born in May 2023 and 2024, need urgent medical care. They are seriously ill and are no longer suitable for breeding due to their health status. This sad situation is all the more tragic when you consider that the animals come from Warin near Wismar, where illegal dog breeding was discovered in May 2023.

Illegal dog breeding and its consequences

The background to this dog abduction is closely linked to the problem of illegal animal trafficking. According to that German Animal Welfare Association The illegal trade in pets will remain at a worryingly high level in 2023. In at least 221 cases discovered, over 730 animals were affected, the majority of which were dogs. The number of unreported cases is probably much higher, which makes the situation even more depressing.

The animals affected are often puppies that were separated from their mother far too early and are growing up under conditions that violate animal welfare. The majority of smuggled animals come from Eastern European countries, which further complicates matters. Animal shelters are heavily burdened by this illegal trade - the cost of caring for confiscated animals averages 25 euros per day, which represents an immense challenge for many facilities.

Call for help

The Wismar police have asked the public for information about the perpetrators and the whereabouts of the kidnapped dogs: “Please call 03841 203 0 or contact any other police station.” Solving such crimes is crucial, not only to catch the perpetrators, but also to ensure the safety of the animals and prevent further attacks.

In view of current developments and the interconnected nature of the illegal animal trade, the German Animal Welfare Association is urgently calling for improvements to the Animal Protection Act. Legal regulation of the online trade in animals and improved proof of identity for sellers would be particularly important. This is the only way to achieve a real rethink and an improvement in the living conditions for our animal friends in the long term.

The case of the stolen Old English Bulldogs serves as a shocking example of the problem and reminds us of the importance of our commitment to animal welfare. Only together can we ensure that animals like these vulnerable dogs are given more hearing and protection.