Runaway dog saved by police officers in Colchester

Officers from the Colchester Community Policing Team received reports of a dog on the loose in Halstead Road, Stanway.

The pooch is said to have ventured worryingly close to the A12 before residents started to grow increasingly concerned for its safety and the drivers using the nearby road. 

Thankfully, fast-acting PC Noone and PC Newman quickly located the dog in the nearby Brian Cadman Gardens before managing to corner it in the front garden of a property backing onto the busy A12.  

Runaway - Rowan was trying to escape from two Essex Police officers, who just wanted to return her to her owners (Image: Essex Police)

As a result of the ordeal, the dog, named Rowen, was left very distressed, even trying to jump over a six-foot-high fence to escape the police officers. 

Thankfully, through patience, charm, and a couple of treats, PC Noone was able to make friends with Rowen before calming her down. 

After about 20 minutes, she allowed her new friends to get close enough to her to locate the disc on her collar, which had her owner’s number on it.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "PC Newman explained how important it is to have a phone number on a collar to enable a lost dog to be reunited quickly with their family."

Rowan was collected by her owner within five minutes of the police informing them and was taken home to safety. 

Bosses at the RSPCA have now also reminded pet owners of the importance of microchipping their animals. 

A spokesman said: “We are pleased to hear that Rowen was rescued by the police officers and has now been reunited with her owners.

“The best way to be reunited with a missing, stolen or lost pet is to ensure they have been microchipped and also wear a collar with contact details embroidered or an engraved ID tag.

“There’s lots of tips about keeping your dog safe on the RSPCA’s website.”