A GANG of pet-nappers stealing dogs to order is operating in the Forest area with pedigree animals at the top of their 'shopping list'.
"In the past few weeks several family pets have disappeared never to be seen again," said Forest of Dean District Council dog warden Malcolm Beddis – usually first call on the list for heartbroken owners.
"The latest is a lady in Aylburton who had her black and white cocker spaniel Misty stolen from the garden. She is absolutely distraught," he said.
"Just before that a Bream man was out walking with his two border terriers in the woods not far from the road when he stopped to talk to someone for just a moment. When he turned around the dogs had vanished."
In that instance as in others a white van was seen in the area at around the same time – as it was when the most audacious theft of all took place.
A pair of Rottweiler pups playing in the grounds of Huntley Court by the A40 Gloucester-Ross road were snatched, bundled into a vehicle and driven away in a matter of minutes.
Owner Clare Swait advertised in the Review and offered a reward of £100 for their return.
"Unfortunately we haven't heard anything to lead us to them," she said on Monday.
Dog warden Malcolm said traders in Monmouth market had reported a van full of pedigree dogs turning up and men trying to sell them out of the back – they had been driven off by the traders because they didn't have a proper pitch.
"Mostly I believe they are being sold to order," said Malcolm.
"I think all pet owners should be aware this can happen. The best ways to avoid it are getting a microchip to protect their animals, or an ear-tattoo.
"Buyers should also beware. They should seek proper records for pedigree animals and ask to see the parent dogs. You should never buy a pedigree in a pub."
•Mr Beddis renewed his recent appeal for people to think very carefully before buying pets as presents at this time of year – and the Cats Protection League gave the same advice, adding that it avoided rehoming kittens at Christmas. Both said help with donations of pet food was welcome in winter – Malcolm can be contacted on 01594 810000, and the Cats Protection League on 01594 833381.