I want you to learn something that is vitally important. According to the American Humane Association, 1 out of every 3 pets in the United States will become lost or stolen at some point in their lifetime. According to the Coalition for Reuniting Pets and Families, close to 10 million dogs and cats are stolen in the US every year. Also, according to the American Humane Society, only about 10 percent of all stolen dogs will be reunited with their owners.
Here at the Animal Welfare League, we are dedicated to doing our very best to reunite lost animals with their families. But often, we face incredible obstacles in doing just that.
To illustrate this, let me relate an ongoing situation. A few days ago, a law enforcement officer brought a stray dog they found to our shelter in Chicago Ridge. We processed the dog in question in accordance with our internal protocols which includes scanning for microchips.
We posted a picture of the dog on our website and thoroughly scanned the dog for a microchip numerous times. When we do post pictures of lost pets, we purposely do not disclose all the information that we have already discerned. Because we are dedicated to doing our best to reunite lost pets with their owners, and because in our long experience we have learned that there are some people who may attempt to claim a dog that is not theirs from a photograph we publish, it is important for us to withhold certain information so that we may verify the true owner of the pet.
In this case, we have no less than four people who have contacted us and assert that the dog in question is theirs. Through questioning of these individuals about their missing pet, we are certain that at least two of the people who have contacted us are not the rightful owners. But unfortunately, they continue to insist the dog is theirs and have contacted news media outlets, law enforcement, and government officials, demanding that we return the dog to them.
I would like to say that this is an unusual occurrence, but unfortunately cannot. Valuable breeds of pets that are lost and brought to our shelter typically will result in multiple claims of ownership. And when a pet of this nature is brought to us without a microchip implanted within them, it is difficult and time consuming for us to identify the true owner of the animal.
In this case, one of the four individuals in question reported her pet stolen some time ago and has provided us with certain documentation that may substantiate her claim. For this reason, we are working with law enforcement and other government agencies to help us determine the facts of this case and to seek a just and correct resolution of ownership.
I know that some individuals and organizations have taken to social media to attempt, once again, to defame us and pressure us into doing what we know is not right. And once again, we will refuse to bend to the pressure and lies that they use in their attempts to intimidate and smear our good name.
I want you to know about this because I want you to understand how very important it is for you to have your pet microchipped and/or marked for identification. Take multiple pictures of your pet, especially any unique markings. Keep all medical records, proofs of ownership, and be sure to keep your microchip’s info up to date.
We will continue to work with the proper authorities to learn the truth and to return this little girl to her rightful owner. It is the right thing to do and after 85 years of doing the right thing for lost, stray and abused animals, we are not about to change direction.
Thank you for reading,
Chris Higens
President
Animal Welfare League