Pet hunt to go on

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Friday 9th Jul 2004.

AFTER a year of fruitless searches Westbury's pet detective is hoping a new gadget will transform his fortunes.

Tony Hall, 35, of Station Road, runs a unique free service helping people find their lost pets.

After receiving a call from a distressed owner, Mr Hall takes to the streets with various items of technology in an attempt to locate the lost pet.

Since he started Petsar, in June last year, he has failed to find a single animal but with the help of a £300 game finder illuminator he believes his luck may be about to change.

The illuminator, which uses temperature variations to locate animals, is used by deer hunters, and a similar piece of equipment is also used to find missing people.

He said: "Combined with all the other equipment I have it should give me a much greater chance of success.

"I know now that if I am looking in a field or wood at least I will know if something is in front of me.

"It saddens me sometimes when I fail to find people's pets and if this gives me an extra chance of giving someone their pride and joy back, it will be worth it."

Mr Hall is the country's only pet detective and he insists he did not steal the idea from Jim Carrey's fictional character in the film Ace Ventura ­ Pet Detective.

He said he has spent hundreds of pounds on equipment, including a bionic ear that amplifies sound by 36 times, a two-way radio with a radius of three miles, a night vision monocular and a searchlight.

He said: "Business has been slow so far but I am hoping the illuminator will help things pick up."

"I remember being out in the pouring rain late at night looking for a cat called Lucky. It is like looking for a golden goose."

"There is a lot of luck involved but I am determined to do it. I just wish all the cats and dogs were sprayed orange to make my job easier."

Anyone who wants more information can contact Mr Hall on (01373) 301223 or 07811 247432 or visit his website www.petsar.co.uk

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