Stolen cancer detecting dog returned to ecstatic owner by Colchester officers

A cherished dog stolen earlier this year has been reunited with his overjoyed owner, thanks to work by two Colchester officers.

Picture: Pcs Phil Robinson (left) and Joe Self (right) with Mr Kelly and Monty.

In March, Monty, a black and white miniature English Bull Terrier, was reported as missing whilst out for a walk with his owner in Buckhurst Hill earlier this year. It was feared that Monty had been stolen as he disappeared after going behind some bushes and didn’t return when called.

This was devastating for his owner, Martin Kelly – particularly as Monty spotted a tumour in Mr Kelly’s neck before Mr Kelly did.

Mr Kelly said at the time: “When Monty got up onto the sofa for a cuddle, he kept nuzzling into my neck, licking one spot on the right side. I thought perhaps it was something to do with sweat on my skin, but he kept on doing it.

“I went to the doctors for something unrelated and asked her about it afterwards. By then, a small lump had appeared and I thought he may have passed on some germs where he kept licking me.

“The doctor told me to get my wife and go to Whipps Cross, where they told me it could be cancer. I had a biopsy and was diagnosed with throat cancer. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have known it was there.

“My family and Monty have got me through treatment, and I’ve built up my strength taking him out for his walks”.

The circumstances looked bleak, as months passed without any sightings of the dog. Mr Kelly and his family tried different avenues of searching for Monty, including posting pictures of him on the DogLost website, a free lost and found dog service that operates throughout the UK.

However, following the listing, a representative from DogLost got in touch with Essex Police, with information that Monty may be in a village outside of Tiptree.

Following this information, Pcs Phil Robinson and Joe Self, of Colchester Local Policing Team, were asked to go to the property to investigate further.

Pc Robinson said: “When we reached the property, we immediately noticed a small dog fitting Monty’s description running around the front of the property. We knocked on the door, but there was no answer.

“We were sure that the dog was Monty and just couldn’t leave him behind. There was a small wall separating us from him – we called his name and he jumped over it to see us!

“We got him in the car and drove straight to a vet in Colchester to get him scanned, as we knew Monty was microchipped. The vet confirmed that the dog was Monty, where the scanner even gave a message that he was currently reported as missing on DogLost’s website.

“We telephoned DogLost as soon as we got confirmation, as we were keen to get Monty home as soon as possible”.

Picture: Pc Self with Monty.

Pc Self added: “DogLost worked incredibly quickly to arrange a time that day to meet us, Mr Kelly and his family to reunite them with Monty. We jumped in the van and drove straight to Buckhurst Hill to meet them”.

The officers then returned the pet to an emotional Mr and Mrs Kelly, who were "overwhelmed" at Monty's return.

Pc Self said: “It was fantastic to see Monty back in his rightful home – you could even see that he was returning to his old habits straight away, as he was searching for his ball as soon as he got through the door!

“We are just happy that we were able to assist in some way of getting him back to his owners – it is clear that he is a very much loved member of the family”.

Jane Frankland, Police Contact Co-Ordinator for DogLost, said:"Monty's recovery was a great example of DogLost working together with Essex Police. From the first call that was made and the report being sent through, to action taken by these two officers, and finally receiving the great news from Pc Robinson to say they'd found Monty!

"The operation to recover this dog was completed in less than 24 hours. That's what we call team work, and illustrates why we are proud to be recognised by Essex Police and to be able to work in collaboration with them".

You can find out more about the Dog Lost service, please click here.

http://www.essex.police.uk/news_features/other_stories/stolen_cancer_detecting_dog_re.aspx