Microchipping and stolen dogs

[meleeka]

A bit of a random one, but would it let me register as a new owner if a dog was stolen? I’m assuming it wouldn’t have taken my money and let me do it.

Ive inherited my MIL’s GSD and went today to get her microchipped. It turns out she already has one and is registered with the KC. Her name was different too. Nothing odd about that, apart from I know this dog was bought from travellers by the home before MIL. The vets just gave me the chip number and didn’t say anything further (I didn’t go in to vets so just had a conversation in the car park).

 

[CorvusCorax]

If it was my dog, I would want to know. My Mum has just been through similar with a cat (he was chipped, neutered, had a name). They were delighted to know he had a happy home and did not want him back, but my Mum's overarching concern was, 'had this been my cat originally, I'd want to know that he was OK'.

 

[meleeka]

If it was my dog, I would want to know. My Mum has just been through similar with a cat (he was chipped, neutered, had a name). They were delighted to know he had a happy home and did not want him back, but my Mum's overarching concern was, 'had this been my cat originally, I'd want to know that he was OK'.

Oh I agree. The worst thing must be to not know what has happened to your pet.
I’ve scoured dog lost and she’s isn’t on there. I would have thought there’d be some sort of stolen dog register so that when I put the chip number in it would ask me to phone a number rather than just updating the keeper. She was chipped at 3 months old so probably not the breeder. That means she’s had at least 4 homes and 3 names in 6 years apart from the breeder She’s also a year older than I thought so that’s a shame too.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Have you got the registration number?
Or any names at all?

 

[meleeka]

Have you got the registration number?
Or any names at all?

I was just given the microchip number. I now have the dogs details, date of birth etc but not who registered the chip.

 

[blackcob]

A bit of a random one, but would it let me register as a new owner if a dog was stolen?

It shouldn't, but like everything with microchips it's an imperfect system. ?

They shouldn't transfer the details into your name without a transfer of keepership from the previous owner (either a code generated by them online or a signed form). Without this it used to be the case that they contacted the listed owner and gave them 28 days to object to the proposed transfer. However, I've just looked up the Petlog form and it now says:

I hereby apply to transfer the keeper details of this animal. I confirm that all the information provided is correct and understand this information may be disclosed to anyone involved in securing the animal’s welfare as well as to prevent fraud. I also understand on the basis I cannot provide the Petlog Transfer Code or the original documentation from the previous keeper, that should there be a subsequent objection, Petlog reserves the right to review the situation and cancel the transfer in keepership.

...which really doesn't make clear if, when and how they contact the previous owner, it sounds more like they default to changing the details and it's up to the previous owner to log the objection. Bit rubbish! I can only hope there's an extra flag for any dog reported as stolen.

 

[satinbaze]

IMHO this is why all lost or stolen dogs need to be reported to the microchip company, so that if the dog is subsequently scanned a warning is flashed up by the chip company. As an owner it is very important to keep chip details updated. It always amazes me how many found dogs have a chip but out of date details.