Dog owner appeals after pet snatched outside shop

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was taken outside the Sainsbury’s in Oxford Road, Gomersal, before 4.46pm yesterday (Monday).

Narda Howard, owner of the four-year-old dog, called Nelson, said she had walked down to the store with her six-month-old baby Zack to stock up on food after a holiday. She was followed in the shop by an “unkempt” man.

“He gave me a very, very horrible feeling,” said Narda. “I thought, ‘I want to be out of here’.

“As I was walking back towards the door I knew my dog would not be there.

“Then the lead was there without the dog.

“I almost collapsed, I cannot believe it. It’s so distressing to think he’s been taken away from us. We don’t know how he’s being treated.

“It’s causing me complete anxiety, I’m devastated.”

Staff at the shop reviewed CCTV, which revealed that as well as taking the dog, the man also stole other items. West Yorkshire Police confirmed this.

Narda, 33, of Ringshaw Drive, is asking anyone with information to come forward and is urging other dog owners to be vigilant.

She said: “Nelson will be very, very distressed. He comes from a really lovely home and we just want him back. There will be no questions asked.”

Narda has had the dog since he was a puppy, she added.

Nelson is described as ruby-coloured, with a white patch around his nose, a white chest and white paws.

The suspect is described by Narda as having dark, shaggy hair and stubble, of medium build, between 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in and aged between 35-45. He was wearing a grey hoodie and looked Eastern European, she said.

Anyone with information should call West Yorkshire Police on 101.