Shocking CCTV images have been released showing the moment callous thieves threw a pet dog into a car boot by its legs.
Six-year-old female cocker spaniel Lassie was taken from her pen in a back garden in Allen Grove, Stokesley, on Tuesday, July 28 last year.
Seven months later, the beloved family pet is still missing — despite a nationwide appeal by dog lovers and a large investigation by North Yorkshire Police.
Owner Thomas Calvert said he was lost without his beloved pet.
“The last seven months has been full of heartbreak, especially as we had to see her on CCTV getting carried by her back legs and bundled in to a waiting car.
“We need to find my best friend. I won’t stop till she is back where she belongs with me.”
Thomas, who has owned Lassie since she was eight weeks old, is urging anyone with information on the theft to come forward.
“Has anyone rehomed one just like her or know someone who has?
“Please call the police with any information.”
CCTV footage shows three suspects in what is believed to be a white Volkswagen, possibly a Tiguan, steal the dog at about 9.45pm on July 28.
Two men get out and come running back a short time later, with one of the men carrying Lassie by her back legs.
He then throws her in the boot and the men drive off.
Thomas said Lassie was herd to be whelping in pain during the theft.
Thousands of people have shared an appeal on social media and a Facebook group has been launched in a bid to highlight the theft.
The dog has been chipped and logged as stolen.
She is described her as chocolate brown coloured with a patch of brown and white roan on her chest.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Being the victim of any theft is distressing, but when it’s a pet it is especially upsetting.
“Officers have conducted an investigation into this incident, which has included extensive enquiries and reviewing CCTV from multiple sources.
“If anyone has information which they haven’t already shared with the police, please contact us on 101 and select option 1, quoting reference NYP29092020-0112.”
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