Dog missing for TWO YEARS is returned to Lisburn owners

Council dog wardens reunited a stolen dog with its owners last week - two years after it first went missing, the Times can reveal.

The stray dog was discovered on a railway line in Coleraine by one of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Dog Wardens who stopped in traffic at the railway in Artillery Road, Coleraine, due to the barrier closing for a train’s arrival.

In waiting, he noticed two young children running after a black ‘pug’ dog, which ran between the barrier and onto the railway track.

The warden managed to rescue the dog from the railway track before the train approached and was advised of the owners address by the two children.

On speaking with the owner, it was identified that the dog was unlicensed. The dog’s chip number identified that it had been reported missing to police in Lisburn in October 2013.

Council’s Senior Environmental Health Officer, Catherine McNally, said , “In working with the PSNI Lisburn’s investigating officer, the original owner of the dog was contacted and informed that the dog was safe and had been with its new owners in Coleraine. Following this, arrangements were made for them to collect their dog.

“The Coleraine owner of the dog was completely unaware that the dog had been reported missing having purchased the dog after seeing it for sale online. In such a distressing situation for the new owner, the willingness to hand the dog over to be reunited with its original owner was greatly appreciated.”