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LOST DOGS - Putting Identification On Your Dog Could Help You Find It.
In 2004 the SPCA received 1,282 reports of lost dogs. In the same period, the SPCA took in 729 lost dogs, (representing 25 per cent of all dogs taken in) with a peak of 76 in November.
Only 129 or 17 per cent of lost dogs at SPCA were reunited or claimed back by their owners. The majority of lost dogs we take in do not have any identification on them such as collars with licences/owners particulars, or microchips. This means there is no way for us to trace the owner.
The SPCA advertises all lost dogs it receives in the Straits Times Classified section for two days. In the meantime, the animals are kept at SPCA. If owners do not come forward and claim their pet within these few days, the adoption criteria for animals kept for rehoming will be applied. There have been cases where dogs were not reported as missing by their owners or did not have any identification tags or microchips. Sadly, they may not have been selected for adoption and were put to sleep. Out of the 280 dogs received every month, only around 25 to 30 are selected for adoption as the SPCA has limited space, and there are very few adoptive homes available.
To increase their chances of finding lost pets, the SPCA urges all owners to licence their dogs with the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority, and to display the license tag on the dogs collar. This is a legal requirement and punishable by law if not done.
Different types of identification tags that are worn on collars are also available in pet shops. Names, addresses or phone numbers can be written on engraved on these tags. ID tags are an easy way for anyone who finds a lost dog to get in touch with the owner.
Microchipping is a permanent means of identification and works as an additional safeguard. Dog owners can have this painless procedure carried out at their veterinarians and are advised to register the microchip number with the AVA (Tel: 6471 9987) and with the SPCA (Tel: 6287 5355).
Being a responsible owner means taking these necessary precautions to protect your dog in the event that it goes missing.
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