The final dog taken when a dog walker’s van was stolen in Oldham has now been found, bringing the total number of recovered animals to seven. Police said the dogs were abandoned after the vehicle was taken from Medlock Road in Failsworth.
The van, which belonged to a dog walking business and contained seven dogs, was taken shortly after 11am on 10 March.
Officers said the vehicle was seen driving away at speed before the dogs were later dumped in the Alexandra Park area. The van was later recovered after being abandoned.
Most of the dogs were found soon after the incident, but one remained missing for several days.
Local volunteers worked alongside Greater Manchester Police officers to search for the animal. Those involved included a retired Oldham neighbourhood officer, Huddersfield Canine Search and Rescue and local police community support officers.
Several sightings were reported by members of the public before the final dog was located in an overgrown area. Thermal imaging equipment and the dog’s owner helped teams confirm the animal’s location.
Sergeant Zahid Iqbal from Greater Manchester Police’s Oldham Neighbourhood Team said, “The initial theft of the car containing the seven dogs was an incredibly upsetting incident for the pet owners, and one we are continuing to investigate.
“I am glad that our local team have managed to work very effectively together with local volunteers and groups to find all of the dogs. It is definitely a positive result.
“Of course, however, we are investigating the full circumstances of the van theft and are undertaking multiple enquiries as part of this work.”
Kirstie Hobson from Huddersfield Canine Search and Rescue said, “The feedback and comments on Facebook have been amazing. The local PCSOs have been supporting the searches throughout and by combining our efforts, we have thankfully now recovered the final missing dog.
“The families of the dogs have been so resilient during such an awful situation and we were very happy to support wherever we could. It has been a real team effort from everyone from our group including lots of work behind the scenes.”
Police enquiries into the theft of the van are continuing and officers are asking anyone with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage from the area to come forward.
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