OFFICERS from Trading Standards Wales in Monmouthshire have reunited Diva with her owners – eight months after she was stolen from Wigan.
Animal Licensing Officers identified the 12-month-old lilac and tan Dachshund during pre-licensing checks following receipt of a dog breeding application.
On Wednesday, January 26, a warrant was executed with the Police at the premises concerned. She was stolen from a car as a four-month-old pup in May 2021.
Officers were conducting routine checks in advance of an inspection as part of a programme of improved, additional dog breeding checks funded by Welsh Government Local Authority Enforcement Project.
A pre-application check of microchips found that a dog the breeder called “Mrs Blue” had been reported stolen months earlier. An investigation under The Theft Act has been opened by Gwent Police.
Gareth Walters, Strategic Lead for Animal Health, Trading Standards Wales, said: “The trade in puppies and dogs has escalated over the last few years and this demonstrates the need for inspections and appropriate enforcement action. I’m delighted that this dog has been reunited with its rightful owner. Trading Standards across Wales continue to work diligently to ensure that dog breeders follow the rules.”
Zoe Phillips, Lead Officer for the Dog Breeding Project, said: “Diva has been returned to her owners in an emotional reunion that even brought our officers to tears. This is a fantastic result for the team and we’re so glad that the microchip identified this missing dog.”
Trading Standards advise all dog owners to ensure their pet’s microchip information is up to date and urge anyone with suspicions about a dog breeder to report the matter immediately using Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111
