The Luxembourg-based NGO 'Sichhënn' (look for dogs) says it is struggling to keep up with a surge in calls for help from residents.

In a statement released on Monday, the organisation explained that it now responds to up to 10 requests for assistance each week. With the number of cases rising, this additional workload would add an estimated 18 to 22 hours of each volunteer's efforts on top of the team’s regular jobs and private lives.

Currently operating under understaffed conditions, 'Sichhënn' can only accept cases that meet specific criteria. The NGO has voiced frustration that, despite two years of discussions with politicians, no resolution has been found.

Adding to the pressure, 'Sichhënn' notes that its services are regularly recommended by police during emergency calls, as well as by local stations and animal shelters, further increasing the flow of requests from affected pet owners.

No official coordination between police and Sichhënn.lu in lost pet searches

Upon a request, the Luxembourgish police confirmed that there is no formal cooperation in place with Sichhënn.lu regarding searches for lost pets. When a search involves a missing person, the police rely on their own dogs and resources. If external canine units are needed, official partners such as the CGDIS and Red Cross are deployed; their teams are professionally trained, and their dogs are certified to international standards.

When it comes to searching for animals, police involvement is limited to exceptional cases, typically when the animal poses a danger. “When people call 113 regarding a missing pet, they are directed to the appropriate contact points, including Sichhënn, but no specific or formal recommendation or cooperation with the NGO exists”, according to the police.