After 11 days of heartbreak, Michelle and Sam Howe from Rossendale in Lancs were slowly coming to terms with the fact that Iggy, their beloved Staffordshire Bull Terrier could be anywhere. Their dog had been stolen in a hit and run and even after a widespread publicity campaign in the Manchester area they realised they may never see their pet again. Then Michelle had a phone call from us – a dog matching Iggy’s description had just been taken into the Manchester Dogs Home. When Michelle went to claim Iggy she was confronted by another couple claiming Iggy was their pet. Apparently a dog warden had removed the “Staffie” the day before from a squat in Oldham and the couple had been told to collect her when they had somewhere to live.

In this instance the dogs home required proof of ownership. Michelle was able to provide photos and Iggy’s Missing Pets Bureau membership form. However, at the Missing Pets Bureau, we have encountered situations where a private individual, in possession of a ‘stolen’ dog has remained adamant the dog is theirs. Settling a dispute is never easy but a DNA test, when combined with our service would stand up in a court of law and prove ultimate ownership.

Said Michelle, “Thank goodness I registered Iggy with Petback Protect. I have now had him DNA registered with Missing Pets Bureau so if this situation had turned nasty along with MPB’s other services I would have had proof he was my dog”.