Families devastated as four 'designer breed' dogs disappear without a trace on Fylde coast

One-year-old tan-coloured Maggie and black-and-tan Ralph disappeared without a trace, leaving their owners distraught as they suspect the so-called 'designer dogs' may have been stolen to flog as Christmas gifts.

Maggie was on a walk in Stanley Park with her owner Teresa Cunliffe, 60, on the morning of December 17 when she wandered into some bushes and didn't emerge.

And Ralph disappeared from the bottom of Little Poulton Lane in the fields backing onto Mains Lane on October 31.

Teresa, of Poulton Road, Carleton, said: "I'm absolutely devastated. Absolutely devastated. My husband has been very poorly this year and we have been self-isolating. My son gave me the dog to look after and I thought we were just having her for the weekend, then we started training her and going to dog classes. My treat in the afternoon is to take Maggie for her walk. She has been a Godsend to me. My husband adores her.

"Now when we go to bed at night we can't let her into the garden first. Her dish is still here. All her toys are still here, wrapped up for Christmas."

After appealing for Maggie's safe return on social media, Teresa said she was contacted by another dog owner who said he saw a stranger trying to entice his pet with treats as he roamed off-lead in Stanley Park shortly before Maggie disappeared.

Meanwhile, Ralph's owner Sharon Mather followed up multiple tip-offs about possible sightings of her pooch all over Blackpool... but is no closer to finding out what happened.

Ralph and Maggie are not the only 'designer breed' dogs missing this Christmas.

Cream-coloured panda pug Gigi and long-haired pug Tank both disappeared from Jeffrey Square in Blackpool at around 11.30am on November 17.

A spokesman for BARK, the Blackpool Association for Responsible K9s, said: "The numbers of dog theft have been increasing over the past few years. For many dog owners the coronavirus pandemic has meant spending more time at home with their dogs.

"Unfortunately, due to lockdown people are at home more and are looking for companion animals. The demand for dogs during lockdown has led to a significant increase in pets being stolen, with the home and garden being the top locations for pet theft. We are urging dog owners to be vigilant and not to leave their dogs unattended in public areas."

Teresa has offered a £5,000 reward for the safe return of Maggie. If you know where she is, call Homeward Bound confidentially on 07789 775476.

There is a £2,000 reward on offer for Ralph's safe return, or £1,000 for information leading to his safe return. Call Sharon on 07708808475.

Information about Gigi and Tank should be given to animal charity Harvey's Army on 07833 727975