After a seven-year search, a Melton South woman hopes to be reunited with her beloved pet dog.
Wendy’s two-year-old, papillon-breed Neena, went missing in October, 2009. For years, Wendy searched and was adamant that Neena had been stolen.
She called a microchipping company and asked them to attach a “lost or stolen” description to the microchip database next to Neena’s registration number.
She reported the disappearance to the council and police and trawled through lost dogs websites.
“I was beside myself searching for her,” Wendy said. “And Neena’s partner became really withdrawn. She wouldn’t eat … I thought I was going to lose both of them.”
Then, two years ago, Wendy was given new hope when a friend saw a dog closely resembling Neena living a few streets away.
Wendy said she contacted the council and police, pleading with them to visit the house where ‘Neena’ had been seen.
Buckpassing
But she said police “dismissed” it as a council concern, while council rangers told her they couldn’t get access to the dog.
“I don’t understand why we get our pets registered and microchipped if council won’t do anything,” she said. “Why did I have Neena microchipped if no one can help me get her back?”
About three weeks ago, council officers told Wendy that the microchip number on paperwork submitted to Melton council to register a dog identified Wendy as the owner.
Wendy thought the news meant Neena had finally been found and she would see her again. But she says council officers made no attempt to help her reunite with the dog.
“I’m banging my head against the wall – no matter where I go, what I do, I can’t seem to get Neena back,” she said, her eyes welling up with tears. “I want her back.”
Waiting on proof of purchase
Melton council compliance manager Ian Stewart confirmed the council was aware of the situation and was waiting on the people who wanted to register the dog to provide proof of purchase.
“Council has no legal rights to seize the dog,” Mr Stewart said.
Melton police’s Sergeant Paul Allen said police were unable to help Wendy because of the length of time between Neena’s disappearance and the new developments.
“I wouldn’t be happy if I was in the same situation because I love my dog,” Sergeant Allen said. “But there’s nothing police can do – [Wendy] will need to go to the courts.”
