Posted on April 16, 2009 by: WayCoolDogs

• Tweet

When I did the article titled, “Animal Tips for Identity Theft”, it was done in a humorous mode and as kind of a spoof. A series of photographs illustrating a group of look-alike different cute animals who had stolen each other’s identity, it was a spoof against serious identity theft.

But so many people were looking for some actual facts on animal identity theft that I researched the subject a little more in detail. Even though our website prefers to stay within a positive frame of mind—I guess here we are. We can say we are doing this article out of high demand and for the fact we are “positive” it needs to be said.

SOME FACTS ABOUT ANIMAL IDENTITY THEFT

Animal identity theft is a slightly different situation than people identity theft but both involving a whole picture —not just one segment over another. It involves an animal losing its identity at the expense of another animal or even its own life—all at the hands of its owner, breeder, dealer, thieves or organizations. Some examples are when registration papers are kept for animals that have either died or were sold to individuals as pets only (where the owners did not need the papers so the dog was sold for less money). Other examples are when animals are stolen from back yards, porches or out of cars—only to have the thieves “register” these dogs under false names with fake information on its parentage.

Without their identity, these animals become prey to a whole host of problems—dog auctions, lab research, biomedical labs, and food chains. Decent amounts are properly cared for and remain with their original owners, but many do not—which is where the problems arise with animal identity theft. Registering an animal without its DNA proof can be easily done in today’s times. The ability of the computer to scan and “change” all kinds of paper work can be easily done, with animal identity theft occurring today at a rapid rate by a whole host of individuals. At one time, puppies were high-priced items that were sold to turn a quick profit.

But unfortunately, laboratories are still needing animals for massive amounts of medical and product research, so the many types of animal ID chips or tattoos are important only as long as the animal is alive and well. They normally allow authorities to trace the dog back to its owner if it was stolen and has been reported, with the chips are placed by the original breeder or owner as a good safeguard to prevent unwarranted theft. Otherwise, the chip can be removed surgically or after the dog dies to illegally sell it.  If that chip has not been recorded in a specific animal through a vet, a registry or organization, it can be re-used in another animal for re-sell by private individuals or for a safe sale to laboratories. The safest way is to use tattoos as they cannot be removed, but the USDA approves both methods of identification:

“NOTICE: RUSTY A SWEET MIX BREED DOG OF 5 YRS. WAS STOLEN FROM HER HOME IN FT.LAUDERDALE FL IN 2003. SHE WAS DISCOVERED IN THE FACILITY OF A CLASS B DEALER IN MICHIGAN OCT 10.2005. CLASS B DEALERS SELL ANIMALS FOR RESEARCH. SHE WAS GIVEN TO THIS CLASS B DEALER FROM A POUND THAT REGULARLY SELL THIER DOGS AND THE ONES THEY DON’T SELL THEY DO NOT HUMANELY PUT TO SLEEP BUT GAS. THIS RECOVERY POINTS TO THE FACT OF PET OWNERS HAVING THIS PROTECTION TO SAFEGUARD THIER PETS. IT ALSO PUT TO LIGHT THE INADEQUACIES OF USDA/APHIS TO PROPERLY PROTECT ANIMALS, AND INADEQUATE INHUMANE SHELTERING FACILITIES RAMPANT IN THIS COUNTRY. MICROCHIPS HAVE NOT SHOWN TO PROTECT PETS AND OFFER A ”FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY” FOR MORE INFO ON THIS STORY,GO TO MICHANIMALNEWS.COM. SCROLL DOWN TO OCT 10, AND YOU WILL SEE RUSTY, WHO SAVED HER AND HOW YOU CAN SAFEGUARD YOUR PET.” MORE…

(Continued on Part 2 – Ugliness of Animal Identity Theft)

* * * * *

For more dog health info, dog stories and fun stuff, subscribe to our newsletter here!

* * * * *

(Sponsored)

Related posts:

• Part 2-Ugliness of Animal Identity Theft
• Part 3-Ugliness of Animal Identity Theft
• Animal Tips for Identity Theft
• Majority Leader Supports Animal Protection Law
• Dog ID Tags