Family dog held by pound until they pay $300.00

[Catherine]

Even if holding the dog "for ransom" is legal, it certainly isn't kind. It puts the family in a terrible position. They want their dog back. They may end up doing without something they really need just to get the dog back. How are parents supposed to tell their children that they can't afford to buy their dog back. I really hope they are able to get enough money to bring Bella home.

Good point about the microchip. Charging a fee for a dog without a microchip  is not the best way to encourage people to have their pet microchipped. The should waive all fees if the family microchips the dog. They will win more people over if they encourage microchipping rather than threatening to keep the dog  because of a fee.

Microchips bring pets home safely. It is so easy to have it done and it must bring tremendous peace of mind. You know that if Forgy somehow goes missing he will find his way home as soon as they check his chip.

I didn't realize that microchipping was compulsory in France. That seems like a good idea. Too many family pets end up in shelters and there is no way to find the owners. Is the rule common to all of Europe or is it just some countries.