DTA microchip scanner
appeal under way

DOG Theft Action (DTA) presented its first microchip scanner to Labrador Rescue South East and Central (LRSEC) on Friday September 29 at the Kennel Club, Clarges St, Piccadilly. Several DTA Trustees - chairman Neil Ewart, vice-chairman Allen Parton and his canine partner Endal, treasurer John Nawrockyi, secretary Margaret Nawrockyi and events secretary Nikki Powditch - were able to attend the event and LRSEC was represented by Helen and Mark Thompson, Mark Dyer and his nine-year-old Labrador Max, who was himself a LRSEC dog.

Identification of dogs is a legal requirement in Britain. By law, all dogs must wear a collar and tag bearing the owner's name and address when in public. However, DTA is keen to recommend permanent identification to all dog owners so that the process of reunification can run effectively if dogs stray or if they have been stolen then sold or passed on to unsuspecting owners. To aid this, DTA has launched the Scanner Appeal to provide some of the dedicated welfare and rescue organisations in the canine world with microchip scanners to ensure that no stolen dog is rehomed without first being scanned for a microchip.

LRSEC secretary Margaret Stocks said, "The area co-ordinators and volunteer helpers of LRSEC are celebrating 10 years of helping Labradors this year, with over 5000 being settled in permanent homes. We are extremely honoured and delighted to be associated with DTA. Allen Parton, who is associated with both DTA and LRSEC, has been instrumental in encouraging the co-operation between both organisations, recognising the need for all dogs to find and remain in loving homes.

"In today's society, with the increase in relationship breakdowns and changes in family circumstances we are faced with an increasing number of dogs who require new homes. We are also faced with the growing problem of missing or stolen dogs. Ideally all dogs should be microchipped to maximise the chances of them being found and reunited with their families. It is very difficult for us to scan all dogs requiring new homes, so we are extremely grateful to be the recipients of the first donated scanner and our thanks go to DTA and to Sarah Fry of Pet-ID."

Recently a LRSEC supporter had two microchipped, yellow Labrador puppies stolen from her home in Harefield, Middlesex. The male puppy was recovered after being sold in a pub - the bitch is still missing. LRSEC is hopeful that her microchip will assist in the safe recovery of this little puppy and they encourage kennels, vets and related organisations to scan all dogs that they come into contact with whether they are alive or deceased and share any information they have with the PetLog Reunification Service as quickly as possible.

Over refreshments in the prestigious Kennel Club Gallery, Sarah Fry of Pet-ID and PetLog manager Celia Walsom, who had facilitated the whole event, were able to answer any questions about microchipping and scanning. Then the presentation was made by Sarah, who had donated this first scanner to kick-start the appeal, followed by a demonstration on the correct way to use it.

Despite a dubious weather forecast, the sun was shining as everyone made their way over to the Green Park, where a photo shoot by photographer Derek Wright took place by kind permission of the Royal Parks Agency. After patiently posing for the photographs, during which they behaved impeccably, Endal and Max enjoyed a good scamper round the park during which they behaved - well - like Labradors!

DTA would like to thank several people for making Friday such a happy occasion; Sarah Fry of Pet-ID, Celia Walsom of PetLog, Margaret Stocks of LRSEC, Rebecca Smart from the KC, photographer Derek Wright, William Evershed and the Royal Parks Agency.

DTA treasurer John Nawrockyi said: "DTA is hoping to present 50 scanners during the next 12 months. We will be raising funds for the Scanner Appeal from our stand at Discover Dogs (a Crufts event). Every penny donated to the Scanner Appeal will go towards purchasing an easy-to-use, hand-held, radio frequency scanner which reads both the International Standard microchips FDXB and FDXA, and can be presented to an organisation involved in canine rescue and welfare. Anyone wishing to make a donation please contact DTA 01652 688089, email: margaret@dogtheftaction.com or visit www.dogtheftaction.com to donate online. The next scanner will be presented to Humberside Cavalier Rescue."

Contacts for organisations in this article are - Labrador Rescue South East & Central: www.lrsec.org.uk; Pet-ID: 01273 837676; PetLog: 0870 6066751; Lost Labs: www.lostlabs.com.

Anyone with information leading to the recovery of the missing yellow Labrador bitch puppy from Harefield, Middlesex, please contact Sussie Wiles 01895 823227.DTA.