A DOG was stolen overnight from Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter before he could be taken to his new home.

Benedict, a former stray from the Wychavon area has been with the shelter in Hawthorn Lane, Newlands, Malvern since September.

The lurcher who was thought to be around 1 and a half years old, was stolen overnight on Wednesday and already had a home ready for him to go to.

Shelter staff believe that thieves climbed over the fence and went to the outside kennels, before cutting the padlock using an unknown device and opening his kennel.

They also have evidence of scratch marks coming from the kennel, making it appear that he was taken unwillingly.

Claire Tregunna, shelter manager, said: "We had a lovely home lined up for him to go to, who could offer him a great life.

"He is a very sociable boy, who loves the company of people and other dogs, and he really does not like being alone, suffering quite badly from separation anxiety.

"It would seem like who ever has taken him possibly knew who they were looking for. Its likely he would not be great at working and has been neutered so would be useless for breeding.

"There are scratch marks near the kennel so he obviously did not want to go."

"Please share around and make him too hot to handle."

Anyone with information, contact the shelter on 01905 831 651.