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.
