JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There have been a rash of pet thefts around the city and News4Jax reminds pet owners to keep their animals safe.
Bob Williams runs a website called JaxAnimals.com and a Facebook page as well. The site and page is warning pet owners that someone is breaking into yards and taking dogs.
"We've had several reports of dogs being stolen out of yards -- Mandarin, Arlington and on the Westside also," Williams said. "They're just walking in, often time gate is unlocked and when homeowner returns will think the dog just got loose because of open case."
Williams said about one pet is stolen every couple weeks. But now he said in the past few days he's heard about three in different parts of town.
Williams said there are two reasons why people steal dogs.
"The flippers will steal them to resell them and the dog fighters will use them as bait dogs in dog-fighting operations," said Williams.
Unfortunately, Williams said that stolen pets are not a high priority for police. But they do have a website, Jaxanimals.com, and Facebook page set up to help report if a dog is found, which can be found here.