Pet owners warned to be vigilant as search for missing dogs goes on

Catriona Hudson’s beloved Scottish terrier Bowie disappeared from her home in White Ladies Aston, near Worcester, last summer - and she still holds out hope he’ll be found.

But she has since been contacted by another dog owner whose pet has gone missing and believes there may be a wider dog theft problem around Worcester.

“I am devastated to say Bowie is still missing,” she said. “It has been 10 long agonising months without him. I have not stopped searching and will never ever give up on my little pal - someone, somewhere knows where he is.

Bowie has been missing for 10 months (Image: Catriona Hudson)

“I was recently contacted for advice by another frantic owner, whose missing dog story is scarily similar to my own.

“Jodie’s beloved brown female patterdale Bailey was taken from her mother-in-law’s garden in the WR6 area – very near to me in WR7.

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“This was in early March and like my Scottie, her dog has never been seen since. Despite both of us frantically searching, leafletting, advertising and appealing, our two dogs have simply disappeared.

“It is becoming increasingly apparent that dogs in the Worcestershire area are being stolen and/or going ‘missing’ never to be seen again.

Bailey went missing from a garden in March (Image: Catriona Hudson)

“It is a real problem and is causing real heartbreak and distress to families.”

The two dog owners have been in touch with the police as well as local animal sanctuaries and vets, posted on lost dog social media pages, posted leaflets to neighbours and even used drones and other cameras to search for their pets.

Mrs Hudson has also praised members of the community for their help in searching for Bowie.

“We ask people to be vigilant,” she said.

“As the nights are now lighter and more of us are out and about seeing neighbours, walking our dogs, out with our children and families please keep a watchful eye out for these two treasured pets - but also to keep their own pets close and safe.”