Dog stolen from RSPCA centre

 

24.08.11

Urgent appeal for information

Our Coventry, Nuneaton and District Branch are urgently appealing for information after one of the animal centre’s much-loved dogs was stolen on Monday, 22 August by a man in his early twenties posing as a potential adopter.
The animal centre staff followed the normal rehoming procedures asking the relevant rehoming questions, taking details and holding something of value including house keys and a bike before the man was able to take Chippy for a walk. All the information and items proved to be false as he never returned for them.
The man left the centre on Coundon Wedge Drive with Chippy around 11.30am into the field towards Brownshill Green.

 

Chippy is a mastiff cross around 18 months old, he isneutered and microchipped and is very recognisable, we are hoping that someone may see him and contact us or the police.
Chippy has really been through it in his life so far after being seized by the RSPCA with a horrendous injury to his neck caused by an ill fitted collar. He also has a life-threatening blood disorder, which if he injured himself could prove to be fatal.
Glenn Mayoll, animal centre manager, says:

We are all gob smacked by what has happened, the man in question was convincing as a legitimate adopter and even discussed bringing his other dog to meet the Chippy at the centre.

Jennie Hamlet, kennel supervisor, went on to say:

All we want is to have Chippy back in our care so we can find him a loving home where we know he will be ok. We are really worried due the type of dog he is that he may well fall into the wrong hands which would be devastating for all of us.

We are appealing for anyone who may have any information to get in touch.

All the centre staff have clubbed together to form a small cash reward to anyone who gives us the information leading to the safe return of Chippy.

The man is described as being in his early twenties with brown hair, blue eyes and a pockmarked face. He is around 5ft 7” in height and also has tattoos on his hands and neck. He was wearing a grey tracksuit with a dark blue/grey cap.
We believe the man may own another dog, possibly a Staffordshire bull terrier, and he may be from the Longford area but could be from anywhere so we ask everyone to be vigilant in looking out. Chippy did originate from Birmingham and its possible he could have been taken there, we need everyone to keep looking for Chippy.
The police are investigating and we do have CCTV footage of the man in question. Our main aim is for the safe return of Chippy to our care.