Dog theft in Cinere

These days, thieves and robbers are after not only property and money, but also dogs. I lost my dog in front of my house in Cinere on Sept. 6. It happened at around 6 a.m, a time when many vehicles are already on the road, with dogs usually out too.

Two men on a motorbike rode apparently innocently along the street in front of my house, as if looking for an address. Suddenly and very quickly, one of them took my dog and they rode away as fast as they could. We all shouted but the two men vanished in a matter of seconds.

I had heard earlier that a neighbor in the same block had also lost his dog. I did not pay much attention then as I did not realize that dog thieves had started to operate in the area.

For dog owners, losing a dog is sad indeed. It is not the same as losing a chicken or a goat. One's dog cannot be valued purely in terms of money. Although only a mutt, my dog not only safeguarded my house, particularly as our neighborhood does not have good security, but also kept me company, as I often stay alone at home.

Cinere used to be safe from dog thieves. My two dogs, both mongrels, died at 13 and 15 years old. Therefore, I would like to warn all dog owners, especially those residing in Cinere, to beware of people riding motorbikes, pretending to look for an address. They could well be dog thieves who have eyed the dog they will steal.

MRS. S. WALUYO

Jakarta