Have you seen Marshall?

Port Hedland rangers are working overtime in the wake of tropical cyclone Heidi to return lost dogs to their rightful owners.

Picture by Tina Schwalger

Town co-ordinator of ranger services Peter Wilden said there was always an increase in the number of dogs reported missing after big storms, and Heidi was no exception.

“Dogs aren’t normally exposed to conditions like that, so you’ll get dogs going a bit crazy and jumping over six-foot fences to escape,” he said.

“We encourage people to register and microchip their dogs, it makes it a lot easier for us when someone finds a dog to get it back to its owner.

“If we can identify a dog we will return it free of charge to its owner, but if not it has to go to the pound.”

South Hedland resident Tina Schwalger is offering a $500 reward for anyone who can find her 18-month-old American staffy- bullmastiff cross Marshall, who went missing about 12pm on Thursday.

Mrs Schwalger, who was preparing to give birth at the time the North West Telegraph went to print, said she had been left devastated when “Marsh” ran away after being let out to go to the toilet.

“He’s a big softy and I really want him back home as he completes our family,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dan Cox has been searching for his missing English staffy since Boxing Day.

Mr Cox was holidaying in Coral Bay when he got the call to say his beloved Rex was missing.

He is also offering a $500 reward.

If anyone has information about Rex, Marshall or any other lost dogs, call Ranger Services on 9158 9741 or the North West Telegraph on 9173 5100.