Stolen dog reunited with owners after seven years
A couple who had “never given up hope” after their dog was stolen more than seven years ago said they were “so, so grateful” to the animal welfare organisation for bringing them back together.
Daisy, the Labrador, was taken from her garden in Norfolk, England in November 2017, prompting press appeals and a petition to the government.
An RSPCA inspector found the 13-year-old Daisy on 9 February 2025 during a routine inspection more than 322 km away in Somerset.
Microchip leads back to owners
RSPCA inspector Kim Walters took Daisy to a vet in Weston-Super-Mare after becoming concerned about her condition. Her owner, who claimed to have had the dog for only a few years, agreed to hand her over to the animal welfare organisation. A microchip scan revealed she had been stolen and provided the contact details of Mr and Mrs Potter. The mandatory microchipping of animals is also an important issue in Switzerland.
Owner Rita Potter is relieved to have found her dog again: «We had a photo on the mantelpiece and looked at it every day because we were thinking of her and wondering where she might be.»
Mrs Potter and her husband Philip struggled to hold back tears as Daisy returned to their home in Old Buckenham. «It is a dream come true that the RSPCA found her and brought her back to us – where she belongs – we are so grateful,» said Mrs Potter.
Petition against pet theft with 100’000 signatures
Daisy’s theft made headlines after witnesses observed her being loaded into a truck by suspected “backyard breeders” who profit from breeding animals with little regard for their welfare.
The police investigated, but the vehicle could not be located. The Potter couple participated in several appeals in the press and on social media, supported by actor Tom Hardy, who shared their post. They also launched a petition calling on the government to do more to tackle pet theft, which received 100’000 signatures. Such cases show how important strong animal rights are.
«We know she is already getting older and has health problems, but the time she has left she will now spend with a great deal of love and attention,» says Mrs. Potter in closing.
