My Great Auntie Libby has been a widow for some years now. Having some mobility problems she bought a small Terrier called Brandy to keep her company a little over a year ago.

Unfortunatly in the part of rural Kent that she lives in, Dog thefts are very common. Libby's daughter had had two pedegree dogs stolen and only retrieved them after paying a randsom. Then about 8 months ago, Brandy was stolen for Libby's garden. Heartbroken, Libby called the police but Brandy was not found despite weeks of seaching. Libby even appeared in a TV showing highlighting the increase in dog thefts. No randsom note was ever received. Thinking Bandy was gone forever, Libby eventually bought a new puppy to keep her company.

Last Friday Libby recieved a phone call from a vet in Essex. A dog matching the description of Brandy had been found in a field and taken to the police station. The police then delivered the dog to the vet for a check up and to scan the dog for a microchip. The chip they found gave Libby's details. Libby immediately went to Essex to see the dog, she was led into a room and sure enough, Brandy went mad. Despite 8 months apart it was clear to the vet that the dog knew who Libby was and was rightfully hers.

In the next room was a local woman with her three sons. They had purchased a dog for £460 7 months previously and thought that the lost dog was theirs. Unfortunately for them, due to the chip, the dog was proven to be Libby's so Brandywent home with her. The young family lost their new pet and all the money they had spent on her.

If you have a dog, make sure that it is microchipped as soon as it is old enough. Dogs have been stolen from parked cars, gardens and even when out walking with their owners so be vigilant. If you are buying a dog, try to make sure it is from a reputable breader, especially if it claims a pedigree. You should also have it chipped or checked for chips as soon as possible (and before money changes hands). If you have any suspicions, report them to the police.

Not everyone is as lucky as Libby, most people never see their pets again.

Or alternatively in can be tattooed with a visible ID, which in itself may deter theft, or raise questiuons in the would be purchaser. they should be noticed andy time the dog has even the most rudimentary health check, which should include earflaps, and if part of the number is obscured by hair it can be clipped away, and even with only a partial number the owner can be traced by process of elimination.

Personally I like mine to have both forms of permanent ID, as well as always wearing the obligatory collar and tag.

Also whatever form of ID is used it is VITAL that the details are kept current with the relevant registries and on the tag! :D