Wednesday, 24 January 2018

Blacktown City Coucnil - Media Release - Don’t Ferret Around For Free Microchipping

Media release


23 January 2018

There were more than a few tears of relief when Betrice Flight of Whalan was reunited with her beloved pet ferret at Blacktown City Council’s Animal Holding Facility on Friday.
“It’s amazing; I never thought I’d see him again,” Ms Flight said.

“When the girl at the AHF brought him out in the cage, I said his name, ‘Gizmo’, and he jumped straight out and ran up my arm.

“There was such relief, I burst into tears.”

Ms Flight and Gizmo were brought back together thanks to a Good Samaritan and the enterprising efforts of Blacktown City Council’s AHF staff.

“A passing motorist found Gizmo on the road and brought him into the facility,” AHF Coordinator Ian Burr said.

“He wasn’t microchipped, but we gave him a health check and posted an ad on the pet finder website.

“Thankfully, Betrice saw the post and got in touch with us.
“She was so happy to get her ferret back she kissed him several times in the office.”

Ms Flight said she immediately got Gizmo microchipped, which means if he goes missing again staff at the AHF can scan his body for a chip that contains her contact details.
Unfortunately, she is still missing a female ferret, called Honey, who she believes was stolen, along with Gizmo, from their cage.

She said her reunion with Gizmo has given her hope Honey will be found.

There will be a microchipping day at the Animal Holding
 Facility, Flushcombe Road, Prospect, on Saturday 3 
February from 9:00am to 12:30pm. 

Blacktown City residents get the first two dogs or cats per 
household chipped for free, with a $15 charge for each 
additional pet. 

Microchipping for other animals, such as ferrets, rabbits and 
guinea-pigs, costs $20 per pet.

“Each year, we reunite hundreds of animals with their owners, mostly because they have been micro-chipped, and I encourage all pet owners to take advantage of our free microchipping service,” Mr Burr said.

“Apart from dogs and cats, we have micro-chipped many rabbits, which are becoming more popular as a companion animal, and a few ferrets too.”

For more information about Council’s free microchipping service on 3 February call the AHF on 9839 6161. No bookings required, just turn up between 9.00am and 12:30pm on the day.

Description: Description: I:\CEPR\1. Communications\1. Communications\Photographs\Ferret\1T3A3886.JPG
AHF Coordinator Ian Burr and Betrice Flight with Gizmo the ferret.
Description: Description: I:\CEPR\1. Communications\1. Communications\Photographs\Ferret\Ferret reunion h.jpg
Betrice Flight gives Gizmo a kiss after their happy reunion.
Description: Description: I:\CEPR\1. Communications\1. Communications\Photographs\Ferret\Ferret reunion v.jpg
Betrice Flight gives Gizmo a kiss after their happy reunion.

No comments: