Tug of war over pooch in pound
A dog named Bella is at the centre of a "very sad" tug of war between a Coolbellup couple who lost her for nine days and the new owners who rescued her from a pound.
The City of Rockingham said the case was a sobering reminder for owners to register their pets so they could be easily reunited, with legislation requiring animals to be held for only three days before they could be rehomed.
The unregistered two-year-old staffy cross was found a new home eight days after she was discovered wandering on March 31, wearing a red collar but no name tag.
Former owner Chelsea Evans said she and her boyfriend James Winstanley were desperate to have their beloved Bella back but the new owners planned to keep her.
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The City of Rockingham has rejected claims by Miss Evans that rangers did not do enough to reunite them with the missing dog, with its records showing the couple did not notify the council Bella was lost until April 9 - the day after she was rehomed.
Rangers had posted Bella's details and photograph on the council website's lost and found register on March 31, when a lack of microchip or registration meant they could not identify the dog's owners.
Under the Dog Act 1976, animals must be held for three days before the rehoming process can begin.
Miss Evans said she did not believe it was nine days before her boyfriend, who was overseas, reported the dog missing and she had regularly checked the council website without result.
She said she did not learn until Tuesday that the dog had been found and rehomed, when she received a Facebook message from a council ranger, who told her they had tried to call the couple.
Rockingham mayor Barry Sammels said they appreciated it had been a difficult time for the couple and apologised for any stress.
"It is very sad when this happens and a sobering reminder to people to please register their animals with their local council," he said. "As of October 31 this year, the Dog Act legislation will change and all dogs must be microchipped as well as registered."
Mr Sammels said the city's senior ranger had asked the new owner if they were willing to return Bella.
Legally the new owner can keep Bella and they do not wish to return the dog.
The city said Bella had been sterilised, microchipped, registered and vaccinated by the new owner.
Rockingham rangers impound more than 1000 dogs each year and say they reunite more than 70 per cent with their owners.
Miss Evans said she still hoped to see Bella again, even if it was to say goodbye.
