MOUNT Gambier resident Megan Ratcliffe had a frightening start to the morning yesterday when two unknown men attempted to steal her dogs from her property.
Witnessing a pet owner’s nightmare, Ms Ratcliffe saw her beloved six-month-old Labrador and her roommate’s Wolfhound-cross being dragged by their collars across the front lawn.
“It was around 3.30am, shortly after my husband and roommate left for work when I heard a car pull up in the driveway and two doors shut,” she said.
“I assumed it was one of them coming back because they had left something behind, but then I heard the side gate open and the dogs started to go nuts.”
Opening the back door to call the dogs inside, Ms Ratcliffe said she was surprised when there was no response and no dogs to be seen.
“I then went to the front door and stuck my head out and that’s when I saw the car and two men dragging the dogs along the front yard,” she said.
“The moment they saw the door open they quickly dropped the dogs and drove off.
“It was pretty full-on and once inside again it was clear Coco (Wolfhound cross) was scared by what had happened.”
Speaking with neighbours and other members of the community throughout the day, the concerned resident said she was not the only one fearing for the safety of her dogs.
“There was another lady who said her dog was barking quite a bit earlier in the night and when she went out to see what was going on she heard someone whistling over the fence,” Ms Ratcliffe said.
“I’m wondering whether they were walking around trying to get the attention of the dogs and see where they lived.”
Confused as to why someone would want to steal the dogs, which she admits are very well behaved, Ms Ratcliffe said she had thought it could have something to do with dog fighting.
“A lot of people have mentioned dog fighting, especially with Coco because she is a hunting breed, but I’m just not sure,” she said.
“We have not seen any markings on our fence that indicate that is what it is and the dogs barely make a sound anyway.”
Taking quick action to ensure their furry friends remain safely at home, Ms Ratcliffe yesterday had cameras installed at the front and rear of the property.
Following a number of her neighbours who already have cameras in place, she said they want to feel safe and secure in their community.
“It is not something we should have to do, but seeing my dog dragged away in the middle of the night is never something I imagined would happen,” she said.
