A rumour... Time to act?

I was talking with a friend of mine during our second 1hr break today. Just catching up after the holidays and trying to make time fly.

I saw a dog wondering on the footpath on the way to uni. A lil pomeranian...but I wasn't sure if it was a stray or a lost dog or just a very obedient house pet that roams like a cat. The fluffy fur made it hard to see the collar as I drove past.

I mentioned this to my friend and then she mentioned about how she used to have a dog... but it got stolen. Someone broke in and took the massive golden retriever. My friend lives near me as well.

It was almost the same story as my landlord. Her 2 massive dogs went missing too. So I shared the story to her.

"... My landlord believes the rumour that there is someone who steals dogs, kills them and eats them," I concluded.

"I won't be surprised by that"

0.0 but but... it's just a rumour...

sure those "Lost Dog" papers that i see on the street are increasing and on every streetlight I pass but this... rumour..

I got little Oscar. Defenseless little dog. Could he be a victim too?

"....now I'm a tad scared cos I got a little dog and I don't want him taken away... maybe it's best to leave the dogs inside?"

her: "yes..."

......but.. but.. it's just a rumour..

"but I leave him outside for the whole day like now... But today he's in the garage cos he's too lazy to wake up. and it was cold this morning"

This rumour seems to be more and more true when I hear more stories. But is it safe to leave my precious dog outside? i mean.. the fence is very tall...only concern would probably be the door....hmm... rumour...