Family launches urgent search as cat called Zorro escapes inside Eurotunnel

19 January 2023 , 02:32

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Seven-year-old Zorro escaped while being microchipped on entry to the Eurotunnel (Image: Animal Rescue UK)

A "desperate" search has begun after a pet cat escaped while entering the Eurotunnel.

Zorro, 7, was on his way to Portugal with the family but went missing after his chip was checked, according to his owners.

Animal Search UK are now on the hunt for the pet who made a break from his carrier during the routine procedure on Friday, reports Kent Live.

Zorro is described as a seven-year-old black and white cat with small black smudge on his left cheek and green eyes. He was not wearing a collar at the time of his disappearance.

Fears are now growing that Zorro will be spooked by the unfamiliar environment.

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The missing black and white cat has a small black smudge on his left cheek and green eyes (Animal Rescue UK)

Alisha Turner from Animal Search UK said: “We are desperate to find Zorro and reunite him with his worried owners.

“He escaped his pet carrier inside the Eurotunnel site and was described as being very spooked at the time. Zorro has most likely gone into hiding and is lying somewhere scared and cold.

“Don’t hesitate to contact us if anyone has seen or knows anything. Help reunite Zorro with his owners."

Animal Search UK operates the only missing pet search team of its kind in the country and has 22 years of experience.

Animal Search UK has asked people to contact them if they see Zorro (AFP/Getty Images)

The charity has urged anyone who thinks they may have seen Zorro or who may have information to contact 08004320340 or visit them online.

All reports should include the reference ALP299624.

Millions of cat owners across the UK could soon be legally required to microchip their pets under plans proposed by the government.

Transport minister Richard Holden said: “One of the things we have been really pushing on in the last few years is microchipping as providing the best way for reuniting owners with their pets when they have either been tragically killed, stolen, or a variety of other issues.

“As members across the House pointed out, we do have a manifesto commitment to introduce compulsory cat microchipping and we consulted on this last year.

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas