Dog back home after seven years

Lynn O'Bryne was reunited with her dog Rhia via a microchip

A dog has been reunited with its owner after seven years.

Lyn O'Byrne, from Brighouse, West Yorks, had her Lurcher, Rhia, stolen from the veterinary practice where she worked in Kent in January 2001.

Last week she received a call from the Lost Dogs and Cats Line at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to say they had a dog registered to her address.

Ms O'Bryne was traced through a microchip inserted into the scruff of the dog's neck containing her details.

'Happy ending'

She said: "When I received the call I didn't twig why The Lost Dogs & Cats Line were calling me. I thought it might be something to do with my work.

"When they said they had a dog at Battersea called Rhia, registered to my name and address I literally collapsed on the floor."

She travelled to the home and was reunited with Rhia, who she said was in good health apart from appearing a little underweight and having a few additional cuts and bruises.

Scott Craddock, from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, said: "So far this year Battersea's Lost Dogs and Cats Line has reunited over 2,100 lost dogs and cats with their owners.

"We are hoping Lyn's happy ending encourages more people to get their pet microchipped and update their details if they move."