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When Kelly Lee, a Los Angeles dog breeder, advertised a litter of pedigree Yorkshire Terriers for sale, she didn't expect to be the victim of a gunpoint robbery. But it wasn't the family silver these heartless criminals were after, it was the dogs.
Kelly and her family were forced to lie on the floor while the mother dog and her four puppies were snatched. The family are understandably heartbroken at the loss of their dogs and extremely worried about their safety.
The whole of the robberry was recorded on the home security cameras - one of the puppies was even snatched from Mrs. Lee's hands. The robbers were shown getting into the house and then threatening the family with a gun. The dogs must have been as terrified as the people, the cctv shows the gunmen chasing them round the room before putting them into a plastic bin bag and making a getaway.
Investigating police have said they've never come across this before but that it is a common ploy when thieves are stealing cars. They pretend to be interested in a car for sale and then steal it instead.
The police do not hold out much hope of recovering these tiny dogs as they will be so easy to sell. They were advertised for sale at $2,500 so the thieves will pocket a substantial amount if the dogs are not recovered.
We're told that there are more guns than ever on the streets today. Let's hope that this is one trend that doesn't spread to the U.K.
Here at St.Bernard's we never show dogs to people unless we've had a chat with them first. Even though our dogs are not commercially valuable (although immensely so to us and their adopters), we like to 'suss' people out first. Asking questions about lifestyle and previous pets and which vet is used gives a feel for the situation.
If you have dogs for sale that is the best way to deal with your customers. Meet them by all means - but without the dogs being present. Keep the mother and her puppies in a separate part of the house and do not let strangers know where this is.
If you are at all doubtful, check the customers out with the vet. Make sure they are known to them and they have good words to say to them. We only once had a vet say 'no comment' when asked about people who were wanting to adopt from us. It said it all though.
Always have someone present when you're showing off your dogs. Don't leave strangers on their own in any part of the house. Until you're sure you can trust your visitors, don't bring all the puppies out together.
Most dog lovers are great folk and will be as horrified as we are at such callous dognapping.
Our thoughts are with you Kelly, we're focusing on the thought that you'll get your sweet little Yorkie family back safe and well.
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