Anne-Marie, Sydney, Australia. Specialities: cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, goats, birds, pigs and horses
I’ve always preferred animals to people. I’ve never met an animal I didn’t like, whereas there are plenty of humans I could do without. As a young girl growing up in rural Queensland, I had my own Lassie dog – Sam – stolen from me, when I was six. My siblings were older, and Sam was my best friend. He went missing before microchips and registrations – I’m almost certain we found the family who took him, but that was never proved. It always stayed with me; I never got closure. I felt like I’d failed him, which is why I dedicate my life to tracking down other pets.
During Covid in Australia we saw a massive increase in pet thefts. Obviously with increased demand comes the problem of supply. People who’d lost work saw an opportunity to make money; people who couldn’t afford to buy legitimately turned to the black market to save cash. For the first time, shelters were empty – pets became a commodity. Would-be thieves took their chance. Right now, we’re getting 50 inquiries a week.
We see all sorts: theft by finding and premeditated planned stealing, which usually involves a break and enter or trespass as well. In some cases, pets are stolen by someone known to the owner – maintenance workers or contractors who take an opportunity to pinch a pet. And then…
