Lock up your dogs or lose them – that's the advice from a dog training school which claims dog-nappers are operating in the Gate Pa area.

Three dogs were lifted from properties in one street over a recent weekend, and there are fears they're being used as 'bait” for dogs being trained for fighting.

Chelles McIntosh is warning the community of dog thieves operating in the Gate Pa area. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

'We are convinced they were stolen, because there's no way they could have got out or escaped,” says Chelles McIntosh of the Puppy Love Dog Training.

'They had all been appropriately restrained.”

The alarm has since been raised on the pet services' Facebook page, via a message which reads: 'Warning, warning, warning. Dog thieves active in the Gate Pa, Tauranga area.”

The dogs that have gone missing are a British Bulldog and an American Bulldog – each worth up to $3,500 – and a pitbull cross. 'Ideal bait dogs,” says Chelles.

The Facebook warning advises dog owners to keep their pets inside at night and when they're not at home. And if pets go missing, call the SPCA, the pound or the police.

Another dog reported missing or stolen was recently found at the pound, but Chelles stands by her story.

'Unfortunately, I am not being overdramatic or alarmist,” she says.

'I know it all sounds very American, as if it can't possibly happen here, but it's a culture that is creeping into New Zealand.

'We should all be aware because I am very concerned.”

Chelles says the bait dogs have their snouts taped shut so they can't inflict injury, before being thrown in with fighting dogs for practice.

'They suffer horrendous injuries because they can't defend themselves. Then often they have to be put down. A waste a beautiful dog.”

Chelles says no dog wants to fight. 'They are trained and forced to fight.”

And she insists she has evidence of the blood sport because she has ended up tending to the aftermath.

'I have had to look after several bait dogs. Sometimes they can be saved, but often they are very screwed up and can't be saved.”

Her advice is be wary. 'Keep your dogs secure and safe.”