After a week of hectic search operations and extensive publicity for the missing pet dog across the city, its master M. Surya finally found it on Sunday morning. Residents of Nakkal Road spotted it and informed Mr. Surya, a private employee.
Though the ending was happy with the one-year-old pet Choco, treated as a family member, returning home, certain issues Mr. Surya had seen and experienced remain a cause of concern, which are commonly shared by many pet owners in the city.
Of late, pet owners are going all out to find their dogs. But the only option one has is beyond the affordability of a majority. Running advertisements in the local TV channels and newspapers, distributing pamphlets with the pet’s details in the area where it went missing and in person searches are the only options, says Mr. Surya who spent more than ₹40,000 to trace Choco, which they came across in their compound a year ago when it was days old.
There were pet owners who ran mobile campaigns for missing dogs in the city. “But only a few could do it. While searching for our dog, I have seen many pets which lost their way. Also, several people called me after seeing the advertisements and sought help in finding their dogs missing several months ago. Many others who found their dogs gave tips,” Mr. Surya said.
Police complaint
“Choco went missing from the veterinary hospital after a loud sound on road scared it. I have lodged a complaint with the Krishnalanka police who accepted it after several requests but did not file an FIR. Filing FIR could have helped us go through the surveillance footage and trace the dog immediately,” said Mr. Surya who was now determined to start a Facebook page for missing dogs. “The cost of advertising for dogs is high which is why many people give up.”
“There is a need for the establishment of animal welfare organisations like the Blue Cross which actively help trace pets. Also, there are GPS tracking devices and tags being used in metro cities where more missing dog cases are reported,” said R. Sanjay, a pet lover.
