By Safira Ali

Last updated at 14:14, Thursday, 16 April 2009

A Whitehaven woman is appealing for the return of her lurcher rescue dog after thieves stole it from her kennels.

Vanessa Blake

Vanessa Blake discovered her dog was missing last Friday when she went to check on it at her kennel in Workington.

The lurcher, which is seven years old, is white with grey markings and blue eyes.

She said: “I got her four years ago from a rescue shelter in Newcastle. She had a broken leg after being used for lamping. I think she has been stolen for lamping again but she is unsuitable for that type of work.

“She will get injured again if she is used for that. She is such a kind dog. I don’t want her to get hurt.”

The dog has won numerous awards in two years including: adult handling class in the Midlands; Peter Wilson’s Hound Show; and best cross breed and show.

Vanessa discovered her dog was missing after she checked on her on Friday, April 10. She was usually kept in a kennel with two greyhounds.

She said: “When I went one of the other dogs was outside the kennel and the other was inside with the door closed. So I assume the person who stole my dog closed the door after them. I just want her back. A reward will be given out on her safe return.”

Police confirmed that they had a call about the dog on Friday lunchtime. The blue collie cross with a lurcher had grey markings to its rear.

They said they were treating it as a stolen dog but it could have gone missing. She was taken from kennels at Winscales, Workington.

Anyone with information can contact police on 0845 3300247.

First published at 11:33, Thursday, 16 April 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk