Molly the cat who had been missing for four years was reunited with her delighted owner last night after being traced through her microchip. 

1,515 days after Molly went missing from Hadston near Morpeth she was found 35 miles away from her home near Berwick. 

Microchipping of cats became law earlier this year and this story highlights the importance of getting it done and making sure the contact details are up to date. 

Molly had been hanging around Haggerston Castle Holiday Park for around a month where she was being fed and cared for by the Park staff. 

When no one came forward to claim the cat, staff contacted Berwick Animal Rescue Centre (BARK) to help them trace the owner. 

BARK shared a post on social media which was spotted by Molly’s owner who had never given up hope of finding her. 

Not daring to hope it was Molly, her owner Tracey McCoey sent BARK a message. 

Yesterday BARK contacted the council’s animal welfare officer who went to Haggerston and scanned her for a microchip which confirmed it was indeed Molly. 

She popped her in the van and took her back to Hadston where she was reunited with her overjoyed owner just an hour later. 

Owner Tracey said:  

“I cannot tell you how relived I am to have her home.  Where she has been for four years is still a complete mystery and how she ended up so far from home is too.  Someone has obviously been caring for her over this time as she is still incredibly friendly and was in good condition.” 

“The not knowing what happened to her has been the hardest.  When she first went missing we looked far and wide for her. It caused a lot of upset - but she is home now. She remembers us, the house, her name and is settling back into her old routine.” 

Northumberland County Council Animal Welfare Officer Gemma said: 

“Cats are independent, curious and can wander long distances or get lost and if they are not micro- chipped it is very hard to reunite them with their families which can be devastating for their owners and distressing for their pets. 
 

“As Molly has demonstrated, no matter how far from home they are found, or how long they have been missing, if a cat has a microchip there is a good chance that a lost cat will be swiftly returned home.” 
 

It is now law that cats are microchipped. If your cat already has a chip, make sure your contact information is right especially if you have moved home or changed your phone number.  Incorrect or out-of-date information means that your cat is not legally considered as microchipped. 
 

Getting your pet microchipped is a quick and simple procedure. Vets will usually charge between £10 and £30 to do this.