Update

GEORGE NEWS - "I get a sinking feeling every time I read or hear about someone's missing dog. Especially when it's a pit bull or a bull terrier, because we all know where they will most probably end up."

These were the words of Salomé Bruyns from Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need (Odin) after Rexi, a pit bull terrier, was allegedly stolen from a house in Blanco on Saturday 20 April.

Rexi was adopted from Odin about two weeks before. The following day Bruyns set out to Golden Valley (Blanco) with one mission: to find Rexi.

"I spent the biggest part of Sunday morning in Golden Valley gathering information about Rexi's whereabouts. Eventually I found him at a house on a farm outside Blanco," she said.

According to Bruyns, Rexi was in the possession of an elderly lady who said her grandson, who was not at home at that stage, brought the dog there. They handed Rexi over and Bruyns took him back to Odin's George branch.

"Unfortunately we can't let him go back to the family in Blanco who adopted him initially, as we run the risk of him being stolen again. Blanco is a hotspot for dog theft and fights," said Bruyns.

Odin will investigate the case further as they do not yet know how Rexi ended up with the boy. The identity and age of the boy is also unknown at this stage.

Rexi when Bruyns found him on a farm in Blanco.

Salomé Bruyns and Rexi shortly after she found him.

Rexi was lucky
Over the last couple of months dog theft in and around George has been increasing. Many of these dogs aren't as lucky as Rexi. Mia, also a pit bull terrier, was stolen from a house in George South in January and despite a big reward offered by her owners, great efforts from Odin, the SPCA and other volunteers, she is still missing.

Bruyns cautions owners of power breed dogs to be extra vigilant and take every precautionary measure possible to keep their pets safe.

"Having your dog stolen is a terrible experience for both owner and pet. It is important to prevent this."

Tips for dog owners:

• Microchip your dog(s).
• Sterilise your dog(s). Unsterilised male dogs are bigger targets for dog thieves.
• Make sure you are not followed when walking your dog.
• Report any suspicious activity to the SPCA immediately.
• Keep your dog(s) out of sight of strangers - especially power breeds.
• Should you be the victim of dog theft, report it to the police and the SPCA immediately.
• Look out for fellow pet owners and be aware of your surroundings.

Rex and numerous other dogs and cats of all ages, shapes and sizes are available for adoption at Odin at Tantivvey outside Blanco. For any information about adoptions, please contact Bruyns on 076 202 0043.

Read a previous article: Dog theft increasing in George

'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'