Dognapping gang may be involved in brutal ‘sport’
FEARS are rising that a dognapping gang could be stealing pet pooches to be used as ‘bait’ in the illegal brutal world of dogfighting.
Cheshire police said that around 10.30pm on Wednesday, July 1, officers received reports that a dog had been stolen from The Bongs in Widnes, but found a short while later on Edgin Road.
Widnes police issued an appeal on social media the following day trying to trace a distressed woman whose pet pooch had apparently been stolen in a separate incident at the same location.
The reports came just weeks after a woman in her 20s fought off a gang of five hooded would-be dognappers in Halton Brook, Runcorn, at around 11.20pm on Sunday, June 7.
Campaigners from the Cheshire and Merseyside group of the League Against Cruel Sports have warned that stolen dogs can be used as ‘bait’ in the illegal brutal world of dog fights.
A statement on its Facebook page said: “We are hearing reports of dog walkers being followed on The Bongs (Halton View, Widnes) and a dog being snatched in Town Park (Runcorn).
“Luckily, the dog was found but covered in disinfectant, most likely to mask its scent in order to not be found.
“Please be vigilant and don’t venture out alone at night with your dog, if at all possible.
“Dog fighting gangs will steal small dogs and cats to use for bait.”
Cheshire police have appealed for information over the incident at The Bongs.
A force spokeswoman said: “Officers received a report at around 10.30pm on Wednesday, July 1, following reports of a dog being stolen from The Bongs.
“The dog was found a short while later on Edgin Road.
“Enquiries are ongoing in relation to this incident.
“Anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting IML 744296
“Alternatively report it via www.cheshire.police. uk”