The DSPCA has shared a heartwarming video of a dog reuniting with their family after two long years of separation.
Baya was brought in to the animal shelter after being found stranded on a busy road in South Dublin. Staff quickly came to the pooch's rescue and confirmed that she was microchipped.
Workers then made the shocking discovery that Baya had been reported as lost/stolen over two years ago. The bulldog was linked to an address in Galway, hundreds of miles away from where she was found.
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DSPCA spokesperson Gillian Bird told RTE's Morning Ireland it was not clear whether Baya had been stolen from her family. She appealed to people who find a stray dog to check for a microchip, as it will determine whether or not a pet has a pre-existing owner.
She told RTE: "We have no idea how she ended up in Dublin. It is really important for anyone who finds or takes on a dog to make sure they check their microchip."
She continued: "You could easily have a heartbroken person out there for two or three years and all of a sudden the owner gets their pet back. It's so important to check these details."
Baya headed home on Saturday after a simple phone call reunited her and her previous owners. The DSPCA recorded the tear jerking moment where Baya meets her owners again and uploaded the touching video to their social media channels.
Baya's family had not forgotten their four legged friend, made clear during the emotional reunion with her at the animal shelter in Rathfarnham. The happy pup now has a new dog sister at her Galway home, with the DSPCA saying that the two pets are getting on like a house on fire.
The animal charity previously warned people of the importance of microchipping pets on Friday. Dogs are required under Irish law to be microchipped and registered on an authorised database by the time they reach 12 weeks of age.
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