Two stolen beagles who have been missing for three years have been reunited with their owner after they were found wandering near Twyford.
Having been traced back to the owner through their microchips, the man completed the more than 200-mile round trip from Wales to collect them.
Wokingham Borough Council’s animal wardens had taken in and identified one of the pair.
When officers contacted the owner to deliver the good news, he was already in the area picking up his other dog who had been handed into a local vet around the same time.
“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’,” said the warden.
“Eventually we both realised this was a different dog that had also been stolen.”
The council said the owner was “absolutely elated” to get his dogs back and there was “no question that the dog [they] picked up recognised his old owner immediately.”
Unfortunately, at least one more of the gentleman’s beagle’s was stolen at the same time, which is sadly yet to be found.
Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for environment, sport and leisure, Cllr Ian Shenton, said the story shows that microchipping – a legal requirement in England for dogs over eight weeks old – is “extremely important”, particularly as cases of dog theft have been on the rise.
He added: “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.”
Owners are also legally required to keep the details on the chip up to date and, when out in public, dogs must wear identification clearly bearing the owner’s name, address and contact telephone number.
Since April this year, the council has taken in 93 dogs, many believed to have been stolen, and in one recent month it dealt with 28 cases.
It is believed that the rise in dog theft nationally was sparked by gangs cashing in on an increased demand for puppies during covid lockdowns.
The council says the gangs have “no concern for the welfare of the animals they breed and sell” and is urging anyone thinking of buying a puppy “to do so responsibly” and follow advice issued by charities like the Dogs Trust.
