Laois ‘lap hound’ is caught at last!

AN ELUSIVE stray that was dubbed the 'Laois Lap Hound' by an animal welfare group has been saved at last, after a concerted effort by volunteers.

The speedy runaway, who did laps of the county for months, was finally brought to safety this week.

During his extraordinary travels, he was spotted in areas ranging from Castletown, Borris-in-Ossory and Rathdowney to Abbeyleix, Aghaboe and Ballyroan. He was eventually caught near Durrow, where he was a regular visitor since last November.

Now rechristened Chase by the Laois Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LSPCA), he is enjoying good food and care after his long and weary travels.

Thanking Scallywags Dog Training in Portlaoise and everyone who helped the rescue, the LSPCA said today: ‘Well done to all involved and what a journey he brought everybody on.’ 

The hound became a familiar sight on local roads but was very nervous and repeatedly ran away when people tried to catch him. He suffered a number of near misses in traffic and there were fears that his luck would run out.

In a last-gasp rescue attempt, the LSPCA set up a dedicated WhatsApp group on 16 February, while a volunteer with a humane trap remained on standby, ready to respond to reported sightings.

After people texted their names with the tagline 'Laois Lap Hound' to the group, the tale had a happy ending within days. Although very thin and tired, Chase is recovering well after his lonely countywide laps.

The LSPCA said: ‘We had a look back through mails and messages that we received and we now believe the first sighting of Chase goes back as far as early November 2024.’ 

The LSPCA has set up an online fundraiser titled 'Laois Lap Hound (Chase)' on the gofundme site, as he will need veterinary work and some rehabilitation. Every little donation helps and will be greatly appreciated.