The increase in the number of dognapping cases in the Western division has raised concerns by the Greater Good Foundation and pet owners.

The Greater Good Founda­tion spokesperson, Mohammed Shaheez Khan, said that young people have been reported ap­proaching homes in Lovu and Tomuka asking for their pets.

“Children as young as 13 have also been paid by pig hunters to steal pets and street dogs, in some cases grabbing them from front yards,” he claims. “They are also violently grabbing homeless and helpless dogs.

These young people have con­firmed they are being paid.

“Dogs typically have their ears cut off with scissors and are starved so they will chase the pigs for food.

It is not unusual to see dogs being dragged or hung from barbed wire embedded in their neck or through their cheeks,” he alleged.

“We are also requesting that the Ministry of Education and the Di­visional officer (Western) inform school heads to pass the message to students about the shocking cru­elty involved in wild pig hunting in Fiji, and not to take part in these violent acts of animal cruelty.”

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said that the Fiji Police Force do as­sist in reported dognapping cases.

Last week Saturday, Mr Khan along with Naomi Nacagilevu and a Police Inspector rescued a total of nine dogs which were tied up in order to be allegedly taken to Na­vosa for wild pig hunting.

“What we did has led two young­sters to reunite with two of their pet dogs and they were overjoyed to see their pet dog back with them again,” he said

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