The Henderson family are celebrating the return of seven-month-old Staffie Zane after he was found in Cranbourne in the early hours of the morning on Friday 14 January.
Star News spoke to Taylor Henderson last week regarding the missing dog, which was allegedly stolen from her property on Monday 3 January, with concerns that he would be used by his captures for potential dogfighting.
Staffies are the breed of choice when it comes to illegal dogfighting rings, according to Alison Praetz, a volunteer with Missing and Stolen Pet Investigators.
A local resident heard Zane crying outside their front door, before taking him into their home.
The resident recognised Zane from social media posts and contacted the Henderson family on Facebook.
Ms Henderson was thrilled to receive the message on Friday morning.
“I was so happy,” Ms Henderson said. “My heart was so full.
“He wasn’t responding to his name when he was with the people that found him but he knew us straight away.”
Thankfully Zane was in good health with no injuries.
Ms Henderson kept the news a secret from her children, who were at kinder when she collected him, and surprised the girls when they got home.
She hasn’t let Zane out of her sight since he was returned.
“He’s been given lots and lots of kisses.”
Police say that the investigation into the alleged theft is ongoing and no charges have been laid as of Tuesday 18 January.
To raise awareness of a missing pet with Ms Praetz’s organisation, head to facebook.com/MissingandStolenPetInvestigatorsAustralia/
Anyone with information regarding a stolen animal is urged to report the information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime/
If you have your pet stolen, Victoria Police urge you to contact your local police station.
