Why would neglectful animal owners go through the trouble and expense of implanting a microchip? That woman has a couple of screws loose.
Many shelters chip dogs these days, just because an 'owner' has their dog chipped does not mean they were responsible or caring enough to do it.
Keeping a dog outside, chained up is just plain wrong. No room for discussion. If you don't want to take the time to treat the animal with respect then why have it?
I currently have 4 dogs living with me, and one of my Border Collies prefers being outside as much as possible, but he comes in whenever he feels like it as well, he's not confined to the back yard, he's there by choice, his choice.
I think it was wrong of the shelter vet to ignore the chip and not contact the Gormants (sp), and that's the person who should be punished, he was neglectful regardless of personal opinions.
I've no problem picking up the phone if I see animal abuse, but let them take too long to act and see if that animal doesn't 'vanish' I may have a screw loose myself, hard telling, but I won't tolerate abuse of any sort, be it to animals, women or children.
That dog did not ask to be with that family, he had no choice in the matter, and you can bet, he didn't ask to be chained out in the yard and left there, so when he found the chance to escape, he took it... the same as any one of you would have if you were being mistreated.
And before one of you points out that 'they are only animals' keep in mind that you too are 'just an animal' you just happen to have opposable thumbs and, in some cases, a higher intelligence. I say in some cases, because I work with a couple of dogs that I personally am sure are smarter than some of the first and second-graders living in my neighborhood, my dogs have enough sense not to run out in traffic, they know to come in out of the rain, they come when I call them instead of sitting around with a dumb look on their faces... and there are some adults out there that I have met that I'm not so sure are as bright as those kids up the street....
Core in Largo, FL