A dog found 30 miles away from home has been reunited with its owner.

Chippy-Rusty was discovered in The Street, Lower Halstow – six months after being reported missing from the Swanley area.

The Jack Russell went on the run after it escaped through an open window of Gerry Keane’s property.

But thanks to being micro-chipped, Swale council’s dog warden Tim Oxley was able to contact Mr Keane and let him know his pet had been found.

He admitted that investing in the technology was the best thing he could have done for his adventurous three-and-a-half-year-old pet.

He said: “You could have blown me over with a feather when I got the call from Tim to inform me she had been found.

“She has always been a bit mischievous and only she knows how she got to Sittingbourne.

“I would advise anyone to get their pet chipped as it has certainly proved to be the difference in finding Chippy-Rusty. Words cannot explain the gratitude I have to Swale council.”

Mr Oxley said: “This is another great example of the benefits of getting your pet micro-chipped and how much easier it makes finding the real owner.

"As soon as Gerry picked up the dog, you could see the bond between the two was strong.”

To report a stray dog in the borough between 9am and 5pm, call 01795 417850. If it is outside of normal office hours, then ring 07795 237479.