Bracknell

A lost Bracknell dog was found and returned to its owners in less than an hour of it being reported thanks to the local knowledge of the Council's dog warden Andy Hill.

The Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier cross, called Codie, escaped from the Wildridings Bracknell home of its owners ( Michelle and her daughter, 12-year-old Billie) on a Friday night late last month. He was immediately reported missing to the police and to Bracknell Forest Borough Council the following Monday morning.

Andy Hill, who has been the Bracknell Council’s dog warden for eight years, immediately got on the case. He followed clues on where Codie was last seen and discovered him in a garden near Bracknell town centre. He was returned safe and well to his family within the hour.

He said: “I have worked in Bracknell Forest for a while now and I have a lot of experience on tracking down dogs when they have gone missing. Call it a sixth sense! I was able to go on information from the owner and the police which gave me an idea of where Codie might be and I found him within the hour.

”I was pleased I was able to return Codie to Michelle and Billie so quickly, and see him back at home safely.”

Michelle, Codie's owner, said: "We were absolutely devastated after Codie disappeared and my daughter, Billie, was in pieces. I want to thank Andy for the way he found our Codie so quickly. He deserves a lot of praise. Everyone has been so good and we are so pleased to have Codie home.

Cllr Ms Denise Whitbread, ward member for Bracknell Wildridings and Central, said: “I gave Codie as a puppy to Michelle and Billie last year, and was sad to hear he had gone missing as I often see them dog walking around Wildridings Green.

”I am thrilled Andy was able to respond so quickly, and urge residents to register any lost dogs or strays with the Council as soon as they go missing so we can offer our help.”

From this month (April), the Council will become fully responsible for dealing with lost or stray dogs. Owners are reminded that it is a legal requirement to have a collar and tag on their dog which gives the name and address of the owner. Additionally having a pet microchipped can provide essential details to enable it to be identified and returned to its owners as soon as possible.

If any residents have lost a dog or found a stray, please report it to the Council by calling 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council