Dogs and owner reunited at last
Twyford: Beagles found three years after being stolen
A dog owner from Wales has been reunited with his pet beagles three years after they were stolen.
The two pedigree pups were found wandering the streets of Twyford in two separate incidents on October 29 and taken into care.
A member of the public found one of the dogs and took the animal to Active Vetcare, Twyford, which contacted the owner after identifying him via the beagle’s microchip.
The owner immediately started to make the 200-mile round trip to collect his beloved pet and whilst en route he got a phone call from the animal wardens at Wokingham Borough Council to say that a second pup had been found on London Road, between Twyford and Hare Hatch and was being looked after.
The delighted owner was overjoyed at being reunited with his pets, who he thought he’d never see again and the nine-year-old beagles recognised him, even after all this time.
The animal warden in charge of the case said: “There was some confusion at first because we rang him to say we had his dog and he told us ‘I know, I’m actually picking him up right now’.
“Eventually we both realised this was a different dog that had also been stolen.
“The gentleman was absolutely elated when the penny dropped and I know the rest of his family were thrilled to bits as well. There’s no question that the dog we picked up recognised his old owner immediately – he became very sprightly for a nine-year-old, which is getting on a bit in dog years.”
The story’s happy ending is down to microchipping, a legal requirement in England for all dogs over eight-weeks-old.
Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said: “Microchipping is extremely important, especially as dog theft has very sadly been on the increase.
“We’re so pleased to be able to help in these cases, and many more like it – but it wouldn’t be possible without this simple measure, which makes it so much easier to trace owners and get in touch with them when a beloved pet is found.
“As well as relieving the emotional burden on both families and their dogs, it saves public money by taking dogs out of our care as quickly as is safely possible. In every respect, it’s the responsible thing to do and such a small investment considering the huge benefits for your pet’s future safety and welfare.”
Wokingham Borough Council has taken in 93 dogs since April of this year, and many are believed to have been stolen.
For more information and advice on reporting an incident, visit www.wokingham.gov.uk/communityand safety/animal-welfare/lost-and-found-animals