Barkerend woman fears missing pet could be used in dog fights
9:00am Monday 10th June 2013 in News
A dog owner has been left devastated after her “lovely” pet went missing.
Distressed Gina Barker fears her two and a half year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier bitch Billy has fallen into the wrong hands and could even be used for dogfighting.
Billy has been missing for a week after escaping from the communal garden at the flats where Miss Barker lives in Brookfield Road,Otley Road, Barkerend, Bradford, last Saturday.
A dog of a similar description was spotted roaming in Centenary Square later the same day, but was claimed by a group of men. Police are continuing inquiries into the possible sighting.
Miss Barker said: “Billy is a lovely natured dog. She is a really soft dog. I have had her since she was a puppy and I am really distressed about her disappearing.
“I can’t sleep at night, wondering if she has fallen into the wrong hands. I am terrified someone has got her to use in fighting.”
Miss Barker said she had put Billy, who is blue, grey and white and had puppies eight weeks ago, in the garden, which is surrounded by a six-foot-high metal fence, last Saturday lunchtime.
“A few minutes later, a lady knocked on my window and said my dog had got out. A neighbour said she had seen some local children stroking her, but Billy had escaped.”
Miss Barker reported her missing dog on social network sites and the Dog Lost website, and hours later a similar dog was reported to be roaming in Centenary Square.
“I rang the police and was told a group of young men had claimed the dog was theirs and had taken it.
“They gave their address to police, but it turned out to be false. I am worried sick.
“I would just plead with anyone who knows where Billy is to bring her back, or just let me know. They can call me on 07514 572056.”
Inspector Andy Gallant, of Barkerend Neighbourhood Policing Team, said they had checked CCTV and inquiries had taken place into the dog seen in the city centre. He said: “We have had a report of a lost dog which we are taking seriously, though we cannot determine whether it is the same dog seen in the city centre. Dogs are very dear to families, and I would urge anyone with information about where this dog might be to contact their local NPT on 101.
http://www.doglost.co.uk/dog-blog.php?dogId=53098#.UdaHODs3vTo
