Reward to find pet feared stolen for dog fighting

AREWARD of £1,000 has been offered for the return of a stolen family pet whose owner thinks could have been taken to become a fighting dog.

Lottie, a blue Staffordshire bull terrier, disappeared from the back garden of her home on Thornholme Road, Marple, two weeks ago.

Owners Paul and Lorraine Moores, 53 and 50, had let her out before going to bed but could not find her when they went to bring her back inside.

They have distributed hundreds of leaflets appealing for information on Lottie’s whereabouts and had a Facebook post shared more than 60,000 times - but so far to no avail.

Paul said: “She is a very attractive dog and could have been taken for breeding as whoever took her may not have known she’s been spayed or, more sinisterly, stolen for fighting.

“Lottie is very friendly and would go to anyone, she is a bit of a showgirl and loves attention. We are devastated, it is like a member of the family has been taken.

“It has hit my wife very hard. The people who have done this are despicable.

“When I came back to let her in I thought it was unusual as I can normally hear her grunting and when I found she was gone panic.”

Lottie - who is aged three - was taken on October 27 at around 10pm. Damaged fence panels at the side of the back garden lead Paul to believe that was where the thieves got to her.

He immediately searched the area and then again the next morning before informing the police.

Officers have themselves since posted a missing appeal on social media.

The couple, who have two grown-up children, now fear that Lottie has been taken out of the area as they have had no sighting of her since she vanished.

Paul said: “Lottie is valuable, both in monetary there was terms and emotionally. We just hope someone, somewhere has their conscience pricked.

“But the more time goes by you start to fear that you are never going to see her again and you have to try and remain positive.”

At the time of her disappearance, Lottie was wearing a plain black collar.

Police shared the appeal on Facebook, saying: “This dog was a much loved and cherished family pet. The family are distraught and are asking for the public’s help.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.