Ransom paid for ex-show Whippets safe return

Jan 29 2010 By Dave Himelfield

Police believe at least four men were responsible for the theft and tracked the thieves through the snow across Outlane Golf Club.

Show and racing dogs are often stolen for breeding.

Now the family, who has been keeping and showing dogs since 1960, have vowed not to be victim for a third time.

Mrs Robinson, 67, said: "We’re going to put better security in. I thought they were pretty secure before.

"When my son met the people they knew they were my dogs.

"It’s absolutely despicable. If they wanted to look after them I wouldn’t condone it but to leave them in that state with no food or water is despicable.

"I couldn’t believe they had gone.

"I’ve thought about moving them somewhere else so they’re not targeted again."

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "There’s no other advice we can give other than to call us or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"If your dog has been stolen and someone is demanding a ransom it’s a situation that draws on the heart strings.

"But in all circumstances people should contact the police. It’s a personal issue but that’s the only advice we give. Don’t be drawn in.

"All issues we will treat in confidence and where we can we will work for the safe return of your animal."

DogLost.co.uk allows owners to list dogs which have gone missing or been stolen.

Sightings of lost dogs may be posted on the site, which also has news of dogs who have been reunited with their owners.