Bobi, a Rafeiro do Alentejo from Portugal who passed away on Saturday 21 October 2023, has been stripped of his title as world’s oldest ever canine following a assessment by Guinness World Records (GWR).
Believed to have been born in May 1992, Bobi grew to become the holder of a double report as each the oldest canine alive, and the oldest canine ever recorded. However, GWR initiated a assessment after doubts had been raised over Bobi’s proof of age.
Mark McKinley, Director of Records at GWR, who performed the assessment, mentioned, “Following concerns raised by vets and other experts, both privately as well as within public commentary, and the findings of investigations conducted by some media outlets, we felt it important to open a review into Bobi’s record.”
“Without any conclusive evidence available to us right now, we simply can’t retain Bobi as the record holder”
He added, “Central to Bobi’s proof was microchip information sourced from the Portuguese authorities database, the SIAC, which it transpires, when chipped in 2022, didn’t require proof of age for dogs born earlier than 2008. With the extra veterinary assertion offered as proof for Bobi’s age additionally citing this microchip information, we’re left with no conclusive proof which might definitively show Bobi’s date of start.
“Without any conclusive evidence available to us right now, we simply can’t retain Bobi as the record holder and honestly claim to maintain the high standards we set ourselves.”
Speaking about who the brand new report holder is perhaps, McKinley added, “It’s going to take a very long time for microchip uptake world wide to meet up with pet possession, particularly of older pets. Until that point, we’ll require documentary proof for all years of a pet’s life, we’ll proceed to ask for vet and witness statements and we’ll additionally contemplate microchip information as nicely the place available.
“It’s for this reason that we’re not yet in a position to confirm a new holder for the record, although we certainly hope that the publicity around the record title encourages pet owners from around the world to get in touch.”
