Lofthouse man 'heartbroken' after cocker spaniel Flora stolen from outside Outwood Co-op

Flora the cocker spaniel went missing from outside the Co-op Food in Outwood at around 4.15pm yesterday (Monday).

A huge campaign to reunite the man - who is called Tony and is in his late sixties -and his dog, has now been created.

Rachael Sanderson-Boulton, a professional dog walker and member of lost and stolen dogs charity Murphy's Army, said: "Tony tied her up outside thinking the village was safe.

"He has gone inside to get some milk and a paper and she has gone.

"For the last three years Tony and Flora have been inseparable, and best friends.

"Tony lives alone and like many others has found the last nine months incredibly lonely due to corona restrictions.

"Walking Flora has been the highlight of his day and helped him cope.

We have appealed for CCTV, dash cam footage from around the area, particularly Leeds Road and the road heading down from the Co-op in Outwood Wakefield into the village of Stanley."

Tony's niece Claire McCormack posted to Facebook: "My uncle is distraught! Flora is working cocker spaniel has just been stolen from the coop in Outwood in Wakefield.. she is 3 years old ..police have been informed !!! Please share on all Wakefield dog sites... She is his total life !!!"

Rachael said Flora had been registered as stolen with the chip company, vets and the police.

Rachael said they believe a group of three men in a red Vauxhall Corsa seen in the area at the time may be linked to Flora's disappearance.

"It's absolutely heart-breaking, I am determined we are going to get her back," she added.

"We would just like to say to everyone from the local support and national how much we are grateful.

"This is a national problem, with dedicated volunteers around the UK helping owners who this happens to, and it should be classed as a higher problem with the courts.

"Please help by sharing Flora's post.

"We need this girl home NOW."

Call 07483800618 or police on 101 if you have any information.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "A crime has been recorded in relation to this report and enquiries are ongoing."