Rosie is home safe after community and Council Ranger efforts

Rosie the dog is safely back home with her family after an intensive search effort that brought together Ararat Rural City Council rangers and scores of local residents.

Rosie was captured in a humane trap around midnight on Thursday night after several days on the run, with community members reporting sightings, sharing social media posts, and working closely with Council’s Animal Management team.

Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison thanked everyone involved, paying particular tribute to local resident Matt McKinnis for his tireless work alongside Council rangers.

“Rosie’s return is a terrific example of what happens when our community and Council officers pull in the same direction,” Dr Harrison said. “Our rangers worked methodically over several days, and they were backed every step of the way by residents who searched, called in sightings, and kept the information flowing.”

“I especially want to acknowledge Matt, who worked around the clock with our team to help bring Rosie home. His commitment, and the care shown by so many people in Ararat, says a great deal about who we are as a community.”

Rosie’s family has expressed their heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped, from those who searched on foot, to people who kept an eye out while driving, to those who shared updates online. They report that Rosie is timid and underweight after her adventure, but happily back to enjoying cuddles at home.

Matt said, “We wouldn’t have been able to catch her without the help of the Council Rangers or the general public reporting their sightings. We’re grateful to the whole community.”

Council encourages residents who find or lose a pet to contact Council’s Local Laws team as soon as possible, and to continue using local community networks and social media groups to share timely information.