Generally I ask rescue groups a few questions before I give them money, but this opened up a whole new line of questions for me. I’ve also decided to get a “beware of owner sign” and not give money to border collie rescue groups. I was wondering if this bothers anyone else:

http://www.slate.com/id/2113564

I read the article and this is theft by any legal definition. I don't like tying out a dog to a tree either but if the local animal control doesn't see a problem, it's none of thier business. if they were that concerned they should of offered to buy it. If that farmer wanted to fatten it up and eat it, it's none of thier darn beeswax.

Consider the source of the story. Slate is a major joke in the world of journalism, so I'd take this story with a grain of salt.

Actually I used to be on the Petfinder forums and it is not that unusual for people on there to encourage others to steal a dog they believe is in a bad situation. I wouldn't stop supporting rescue efforts because there are many dogs that are in need of new homes. I think breed specific rescues are a great resource for placing dogs in appropriate homes but there are definitely some people who go to far. To be fair though some of the people involved in transport may not have been aware the dog was stolen. Different groups maintain lists of people willing to help with transport. Most of the time they are transporting dogs that were pulled from overcrowded county shelters.

I am a Director with a dog rescue organization in NE Fla. We have faced similar circumstances and the appropriate processes in this case should have been to contact the farmer directly, face to face, and explain the concern for the dog. Animal Control also has a responsiblity to make sure the animal is UTD on all shots, heartworm treatments, etc. Doesn't sound like they followed through. If the dog was treated for rope burns at the facility in Atlanta, the Fla A.C. should have been able to see the burns as well and could have used that as legitimate means to remove the dog from the property.

In many of our cases, we do contact the owners directly and ask if they would consider giving up the dog to the rescue so it can be placed in a "more appropriate setting" to meet it's needs. We do not charge anything for owners to surrender their dogs. Many rescues do, and this is a deterrent to the owners..."I paid $200 bucks for this dog, and now I have to pay to get rid of it?!!" If the owner refuses to surrender the dog, we still keep in contact with them, or their neighbors, and/or Animal Control if it warrants their attention. We would never condone what was done in this article because, yes, it is stealing.

Being involved in a Rescue is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I have spent a tremendous amount of my own money to help our dogs get the treatment, nutrition and love they deserve. Never once have I regretted it...it is truly a rewarding, selfless experience. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I didn't see where it said a Border Collie rescue was involved?

Approx 5th paragraph down...
"One night, when the farmer's truck was gone from his driveway, she and a friend from her rescue group parked their creaky Windstar on the highway out of sight..."

Not condoning it necessarily, but my brother and I have "rescued" more than a couple of pits from the a$$holes in my hood.

Thanks Kate, it didn't say what kind of rescue group tho. All breed rescues take in Border Collies as well.

http://www.animaladvocates.com/women-who-steal-dogs.htm

You can check this out as well.

Stealing is stealing, but then that will depend if you view a dog as a person's property or as a life. Perhaps in the most extreme of cases it's the only thing that can be done. Of course, a lot of animal rescue people tend to take things a bit too far, so a line should be drawn somewhere.