When Dagger never returned, Jackson said friends and relatives helped search for Dagger by passing out fliers and knocking on doors of neighbors in the area to help locate the dog.

“We called for him, but he never came back, which is why I suspect someone took him,” Jackson said. “Our other dogs were mixed breeds, but Dagger was the only one out of the mix that was a pit bull. I think people want pit bulls because they can get money for them or fight them, but Dagger was a family pet.”

Terry said some of the pit bull dogs that have been reported missing are the “blue” variety, which are considered a show quality dog.

“Those variety go for a fairly decent amount of money,” Terry said. “Our concern is that these dogs are being taken because people believe they can make money from selling a pit bull dog. I think people also think they can take them and fight them.”

Terry said a common misconception associated with pit bull dogs is they are “aggressive” or fight naturally.

“I believe it is all in how a dog is raised,” Terry said. “If dogs are introduced to other dogs at a younger age and they are raised around humans, they are fine. They won’t just turn into an aggressive dog; I believe they are made to be aggressive.”

Terry said for anyone worried about their dogs going missing to make sure the dogs are always accompanied by an owner when outside.

“Most of these animals that we have filed reports on going missing have had someone else caring for them,” Terry said. “Most of the time, the dogs were in some sort of pen or something, but I would advise people to stay with their dogs if they can. If you walk them, make sure you stay with them as they are being walked. If that isn’t an option, consider bringing them inside.”

Terry said for any dog that goes missing, individuals can come to the Chilton County Humane Society and fill out a “lost report” with a complete description of the animal.

“A picture of the dog always helps a lot,” Terry said. “Within the last month, I have probably filled out more than five lost reports of pit bull dogs. That is more than what I usually fill out each month, which could be one or two.”

Terry said most of the reports she has filled out for the missing pit bull dogs have been in the Clanton area although there was a report filled out of a missing pit bull in Maplesville.

“Right now, I would just caution individuals to keep an eye on their pets,” Terry said. “I would also recommend getting a microchip and registering your dog so you can be sure who the pet belongs to if found.”

For more information about microchips or to fill out a lost report, contact the Chilton County Humane Society at (205) 755-9170.