People aren't Good Enough - Now Dogs

Google Translation:
"- In Nayarit Mexico operates a new type of organized crime: the kidnapping is to then apply for rescue dogs to their owners.

The president of the local Humane Association, Diana Valdes Sojo, said that in the past month at least half a hundred dogs, the majority of fine breeds, were kidnapped to ask for money to its owners for its return.

In other cases the animals were sold.

When they began kidnapping and were denounced, justice authorities gave little importance to the cases and dog owners chose to withdraw their complaints and promoting pay ransoms, and if the thieves were called, acquired new pets, said Diana Valdes , the daily La Jornada.

He added that some photographs are daily pet was lost or stolen on poles, trucks, vans and in newspapers.

Sojo Valdes gave the example that last Tuesday a man was sitting outside his house in the center of Tepic, as it does for years, and was laid aside his dog, a miniature schnauzer was stolen in less than three minutes After a brief oversight of this man, who is now offering a reward of 5 thousand dollars to return your pet.

According to the newspaper, on 30 May, Nayarit Congress passed to protect wildlife and domestic animals, and imposed penalties ranging from three days to three years in prison and fines of 60 to 360 days of minimum wage who being the owner or holder in any capacity, or responsible for the care or custody of a vertebrate animal, make it to the detriment of any means to prolong the agony of the animal, severe organ mutilation, any deprivation of air, light, food, drink, shelter space or the weather, and any medical or health deprivation causing or likely to harm the animal.

Diana Valdes asked those who have pets at home prevention measures, such as to ensure not let them out alone, watch them and not to trust strangers who come to play with the dogs."

Original Article: http://www.lapoliciaca.com/nota-roja/secuestran-perros-en-nayarit-para-pedir-rescate/

This scam has been around for awhile, but the increasing scale of it is real cause for concern to pet owners.
It could easily spread to this area. Meanwhile people would be well advised to ensure that the leash they're carrying has an animal attached to the other end.

I also read on TOB that some nasty pet diseases are being seen more frequently, along with an increase in the population of strays. If, for instance, your dog is loose in the malecon park, it may be making friends with the wrong hobo dogs. Pups don't discriminate about their social contacts the way people do. A lovable quality, but possibly dangerous to their health.

News flash, it has spread to here, and quite a while ago at that. I have heard of a few new ones recently. Our dog never goes out without us, and on a leash, we're now keeping the front gate locked at all times just in case somebody tries to snatch her. Good luck, she's a rather large retriever, however no point in taking a chance.

Unfortunately that is alive and well NOB as well however is is better hidden as a grab for a reward when one is posted.

I have paid "finder's fees" three times in Mexico. Always have my Skype # on the tag so I'm easy to reach. Nothing major, only 200-300p per return. I've been ripped off worse, just the fear of not getting them back.