A perceived increased number of lost and wandering dogs observed by locals walking the streets of the Douglas Shire in recent times is a timely reminder to ensure a common-sense process is taken to re-connect pooches with their rightful owners.

Those kind souls that locate and pick up lost dogs with an intention to kindly provide them with food and a roof before quickly trying to identify their true owners are encouraged to ask a series of questions before handing the pooch back.

Simple questions like ‘do you have a photo taken with your dog that completely confirms this is your dog?’, ‘what distinguishing features does your dog have?’, along with taking the collector’s full name and phone number are key things to do upon handing back the dog.

The reminder comes after alleged recent instances around the Shire where temporary dog carers are handing dogs back to people who claim to be their proper owner – but are not.

It’s not until the rightful owner comes forward and asks for the dog after recognising it on a Facebook page or other mediums, but later leave heartbroken when the good Samaritan has, in their mind, already released the dog to the right person – that both later conclude they have each been duped.

So, if you’re in a situation where you find a lost dog and wish to care for it, do so, but upon someone coming to claim it back, make sure the right questions are asked, before you can confidently feel that the right pooch has been re-connected with the rightful owner.