Ruyter’s 18‑month‑old Bundy vanished on Oct. 9 near Southampton Road in Balingup, a town 240 km south of Perth. Bundy, an Irish wolfhound‑blue heeler cross, had been with the family since birth.
Ruyter posted missing‑dog flyers, contacted veterinarians and rangers, and launched a social‑media appeal demanding help. He offered A$10,000 for any information leading to Bundy’s safe return.
A stranger claimed to have found Bundy and suggested a meeting at a Balingup general store. Ruyter, believing the lead, sent his father to meet, but no one arrived. The stranger later sent a photo showing Bundy in a cage.
Ruyter noted that the image resembled a photo he had shared, with a cage added in post‑processing. ABC News reported the photo was likely AI‑generated, and the sender stopped responding.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s National Anti‑Scam Centre warned that scammers use AI to fabricate pet‑search evidence. They urged pet‑searchers to verify claims before sending money. Ruyter remains hopeful to recover Bundy.