Article in collaboration with KATIE LYON,
InkFreeNews Reporter

Recent rumors of animal abductions throughout Kosciusko and surrounding counties have many concerned locally. Though claims of animal abductions have been stated on forums such as Facebook, according to local officials, no official account or report has been filed with police or local shelters.

Current rumors of abductions are certainly alarming. According to accounts through social media, several individuals have noted a navy SUV/van type vehicle as well as a white van have been seen “scoping out homes” with pets in the yards. Though claims that individuals have tied grocery bags or left wet newspapers at a property have been made, according to Sgt. Chad Hill, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer, no official report has been filed.

“If someone witnesses the theft or attempted theft of a dog, they need to get a license plate number, description of the vehicle and driver and pretty much everybody has a cell phone, get a video or picture of the vehicle and report it to the police,” advises Tracy Landis, president and founder of S.C.A.R.S. Pitbull Rescue. If someone has information about dog fighting, they need to report that to the police also. If they are afraid to report it, they can email me at [email protected] and I’d be be happy to pass on the information to the authorities.

“I have received quite a few emails and phone calls from people saying that their dogs were stolen and I’ve spoken to shelters in other counties that are getting the same reports in their counties. There have been a few that said someone stopped in front of their house and tried to get their dogs. This could have been a case of someone trying to steal the dogs or just another dog lover thinking the dog was a stray,” explained Landis.

As summer weather begins to roll into Kosciusko, protecting dogs from both heat and potential theft is becoming more and more important. Landis advises people to be careful to watch their dogs as well as keep them leashed or within an enclosed area. She also stresses to spay and neuter pets to not only protect against unwanted litters, but to make a dog less desirable to potential breeders or dog fighter. Microchipping is also a great method to ensure, should a dog be lost or stolen, they can easily be located.

Though good samaritans who find “stray” pets may want to opt to adopt the animal, Landis reminds those finding pets are bound by law to make attempts to find the original owner.