Desperate appeal after one-year-old puppy stolen from car park in Pudsey

Dachshund Stanley was stolen on Monday, September 7 from his owner's van, which was parked outside of Wickes, in Pudsey Road.

Jackie Kendall, the mother of Stanley's owner Will, said that Will's van window was smashed by the thieves at about 4.20pm.

She believes the thieves targeted the van specifically to take Stanley as Will's wallet was left.

She said: "His van window was smashed and his beloved sausage dog was stolen.

"The thief left behind his wallet which was in plain view in the van, so this proves that it was the dog they had targeted."

Posters are being put up across Leeds in an attempt to locate Stanley.

An appeal for information on Facebook has been shared more than 10,000 times.

Stanley is described as a chocolate coloured, smooth/short haired dachshund.

He is a standard sized Dachshund not a mini.

He is one-years-old, castrated and has been microchipped.

He is described as a "very quiet, docile, friendly little man who will go to anyone".

The owner also said that he does not walk obediently on a lead, will pace and not settle in strange surroundings and bark persistently if caged.

Anyone with information can contact Will on 07563901034 or West Yorkshire Police via 101.

A Facebook group has also been launched to find Stanley.

The theft of Stanley follows a similar dog theft in Owlcotes in Pudsey last month.

Three Springer Spaniels were stolen from owner's Ian Atkinson and Juliette Bunce's truck on Saturday, August 22.

Thieves somehow managed to bypass the truck's security system and drove off with the dogs.

The police became involved and a huge appeal was launched on social media.

Thankfully, the three dogs were found and returned to their owners.

Ian' son Chris has now confirmed that the dogs are back at home, but the family do not want to go into specifics due to the nature of the theft.

Chris, 27, said: "They are over the moon - they were stressed and not sleeping so they are just glad to have them back home safe.

"We didn't know where they were being kept but they are fine and healthy."

"The dogs were a bit shell-shocked at first, but when they realised they were back home they were all giddy," Chris added.

Chris, who also lives in Leeds, wanted to thank everyone who shared their appeal - his post on Facebook was shared an incredible 12,000 times.

He added: "I've never seen anything like it. The reaction was unbelievable.

"Dogs tug at the heartstrings and there's a lot of love for them so people want to get behind it.

"We are just glad they are home safely."

-> Spaniels stolen from Owlcotes Shopping Centre Pudsey returned safely to their owners