Missing

In 2016, Caddie the golden cocker spaniel disappeared from the garden, and despite the frantic efforts of her owners, no trace was found. 8 years later, she was found along with 3 puppies, and the conclusion by the veterinary surgeon was that she had been used as a brood bitch to produce endless puppies for unscrupulous breeders for profit.

In 2010, Zoey was rescued from the local shelter at around 6 months of age, along with her twin sister. Shortly afterwards, she went missing.12 years later, an elderly and rather frail dog was dumped on someone’s front lawn by an individual driving an SUV, and amazingly, the microchip revealed that the dog was indeed Zoey. Lost dog and delighted original owner were reunited, but those twelve years were probably purgatory for both Zoey and her owner.

These are just two stories, but in any country, there are thousands like it every year, some with happy endings but sadly many more without any ending, leaving owners bereft and without closure.

What action can you take?

First of all, there is, at the moment, no definitive way to permanently protect your pet from being stolen or lost. However, there are a number of actions that you can take to mitigate these issues. It’s been said before, and whilst it’s not a guarantee, the microchip has reunited thousands of owners with their pets. Of course, it will only be of any use if the microchip is registered, something that is not done automatically but requires action on either your part, that of the veterinary surgeon or the agency that has had it done. Please check which microchip register is supposed to hold your pet’s registration, and then go to the register and ensure your pet’s details are correct. Don’t forget to inform the agency if your details change, you move residence or change your telephone number or email address.

As a byline to this issue of microchips, our little dog Ziggy, whom we rescued from the local shelter, had no chip when found. A year after we had adopted her, she was recognised by her previous owner as we were having a cup of coffee. He accepted that she now has a caring, loving home and caused us no trouble despite the fact she was a much-loved pet in his own home, but if he had just taken the time and effort to have a microchip inserted, then the shelter could have contacted him.

Now we come to trackers. The tracker is a gadget that is attached to the dog’s collar. There are a large number available to suit all requirements, from the one that depends on Bluetooth, which has a fairly short range, to the state-of-the-art model that relies on GPS and has a limitless distance. Some require a subscription, and others do not. Naturally, the system only works if the collar stays with the dog, and I have no doubt that in the future, it will be possible to insert the chip in the same way that the current microchip is inserted, and this will make thefts extremely difficult. Remember, batteries fitted into these collars only have a shelf life of about two weeks once activated. I totally understand that this technology and monthly fees are difficult, particularly at times of financial restraint, but it is probably the way of the future.

Now, we come to websites that assist in reuniting owners and pets. These operate in many countries, and many are run by volunteers. No charge is usually made, but a donation to assist them to continue operating would probably be welcome.

In the UK, there are drone enthusiasts who will search for lost animals, and this very modern search tactic is probably available in other parts of the world.

An incredible number

Just to put this madness into perspective, if I asked you to estimate the number of stray and abandoned companion animals in Europe, I suggest you wouldn’t even get close. The number is estimated at between 100,000,000 and 120,000,000. Yes, you read that correctly. Up to one hundred and twenty million animals, primarily dogs and cats, and many of the dogs are pedigree. As far as I am aware, there is no legislation regarding stray animals in the European Union. It might just be a good idea for the bureaucrats to deal with this problem before there is any more legislation about the circumference of certain fruits or the curvature of bananas.

Like so many nefarious activities in society today, the deterrent factor is just not in place. I don’t want to get too involved with the failings of the justice system that prevails in many countries, but without a doubt, I truly believe that the overwhelming majority of citizens of most countries would welcome sentences that would act as a deterrent. At the moment, they are virtually non-existent.

A lenient prison term that automatically releases prisoners after only a portion of the sentence has been served, assuming that they even receive a custodial sentence in the first place, is no deterrent. Miniscule fines, bed, board and three nutritious meals a day do not discourage criminal behaviour; again, there is no deterrent.  I know it sounds like I am on my soapbox, but quite frankly, the anguish of having your pet go missing must be almost unbearable.

Maybe a different approach would be mandatory sentencing for many offences, a school curriculum that would include education on the perils of criminal behaviour, plus the consequences of a guaranteed punishment.

In the case of the theft of a pet, no punishment will assuage the distress caused by this activity.