Stolen dog found 260 miles away reunited with owner after a year apart

Ben the lurcher was stolen from outside owner Adam Stonier’s house in Preston in September 2015, but was picked up by Sevenoaks District Council after the stray pooch was found five hour’s drive away in St Michaels Lane, Fawkham.

Ben’s microchip meant that despite almost 12 months going by, Adam could be sniffed out by the council and the pair could be reunited.

He had been found by local Kent-based greyhound kennel who contacted Sevenoaks District Council’s out of hours.

Councillor Matthew Dickins, the council’s cabinet member for direct and trading services, says: “We may never know how Ben ended hundreds of miles from his home but we can say with certainty that had he had not been microchipped it’s unlikely we could have reunited him with his owner, Adam.

“Microchipping is such an important part of being a responsible dog owner and is quick, easy and virtually pain free and can make a real difference in reuniting pets with owners should they get lost.”

Dog owners who fail to get their dog microchipped could be collared with a fine of £500.

For more information on pet microchipping, visit www.preston.gov.uk/yourservices/environmental-health/dogs/free-microchipping-event/