Local News · Trowbridge
Public appeal for information after stolen Wiltshire dog recovered without puppies
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A Golden Labrador stolen from Edington has been found abandoned in the New Forest, but concerns remain for her missing puppies.
A community in Wiltshire is seeking answers after a stolen dog was reunited with her owner, while her puppies remain missing. The Golden Labrador, which had been missing for over seven weeks, was discovered abandoned in woodland in the New Forest area on 22 October.
The dog was originally taken from a property in the village of Edington, near Westbury, on 1 September. Following her recovery, she was taken to a local veterinary practice where her identity was confirmed. While her return home has brought relief, the discovery was marked by what charity Search and Scan SAS described as 'heartbreaking' news: the dog had given birth during the time she was missing, and none of the puppies were found at the scene.
Veterinary experts believe the dog gave birth between three and six weeks ago. This has led to serious concerns that the individuals responsible for the theft may have kept or sold the litter before abandoning the mother. Search and Scan SAS is now appealing to the public for information that could help clarify the situation.
The charity is particularly keen to hear from anyone who has purchased a Labrador puppy in recent weeks, especially if the circumstances of the sale appeared unusual. While the mother is a Golden Labrador, the charity notes that the puppies could be black, chocolate, or a mix of colours.
Representatives from Search and Scan SAS have been clear that their primary aim is to establish what occurred and to gather evidence for the police. They have stressed that the appeal is not designed to penalise individuals who may have purchased a puppy in good faith, nor does it aim to forcibly remove animals from unsuspecting families. Instead, the charity hopes that details regarding where a puppy originated or the nature of the transaction could provide the vital link needed to identify those involved in the original theft.
The public has been urged to contact the charity with any relevant information, rather than approaching suspects directly or making public accusations. For now, the mother is said to be recovering at home with her owners after having lost a significant amount of weight during her time away.
Source: Gazette & Herald — Crime · View original