'Much Loved' Therapy Dog Stolen Near Chichester - £2.5k Crimestoppers Reward

A reward of £2,500 is being offered via the independent charity Crimestoppers for information that leads to the safe return of a stolen therapy dog near Chichester.

Hazel, a one-year-old Cocker Spaniel mix, was stolen from the Walderton area on August 15, at around 6pm.

According to the charity, a van or large vehicle was heard pulling up and the dog was heard frantically barking.

The sound of screeching tyres reportedly followed, suggesting the vehicle moved away at speed.

It's believed hazel could have been moved to anywhere in the UK, perhaps to nearby counties such as Hampshire, Surrey, Kent or London.

Although the dog may have been moved futher afield across England's borders into Wales, Scotland or Ireland.

Crimestoppers said:

"[Hazel has] brought much happiness to not only her owners, but also to the many vulnerable young people and adults who have suffered from abuse, trauma and neglect who benefitted from her affection and companionship."

Hazel's crime reference is 4700143556, and her Doglost reference is 159438.

The charity said a second attempt to steal another dog from the same area was reportedly made on October 18, at around 1pm.

A man with short, dark hair and facial hair was seen trying to grab another dog.

He's described as having an Eastern European accent, aged around 30 years old, very thin, short to medium height and wearing a royal blue sleeved jacket.

When challenged, he claimed he was merely rolling up a cigarette and fled the scene immediately in an old Transit van with a roof rack attached.

The van was later seen nearby, going from East Marden towards Chilgrove, West Sussex.

Rebecca Taylor, an Equine Assisted Therapist who runs The Haven Equine Assisted Therapy Centre, said:

“We’re absolutely devastated. Taking someone’s dog is kidnapping, not just theft. Your pets are members of your family.

"Hazel brings so much joy to people, especially as we work with vulnerable young people who have suffered from abuse, trauma and neglect. It’s really hard because the children we see in therapy have often lost trust in people and respond better to animals.

"Hazel was very much part of the therapeutic process to help people.

“They loved to cuddle her whilst they’re talking. She had a calming influence.

"Some clients even saw her born and have seen her growing up over the year. When they ask every week if Hazel is back yet, it’s heart-breaking to have to say no, though I reassure them that we won’t stop looking until we find her.

“Words fail to express just how awful it’s been as there’s every chance Hazel could have been sold on quickly to a breeder, which is why we always encourage people not to buy puppies online as this fuels the trade in stolen dogs - plus there are many lovely dogs needing homes in rescue centres.

"If you have any suspicions or information about Hazel, please speak up and tell Crimestoppers anonymously what you know. Please do it for Hazel and for her safe return.”

Glenys Balchin, Regional Manager for Sussex & Surrey at the charity Crimestoppers, said:

“It’s so poignant and sad to think that little Hazel – who is such a trusting and kind-natured dog – is now away from her familiar surroundings and taken from people who love her and care for her.  

“Stealing pets, normally for financial gain, is criminal and totally unacceptable. We are appealing for the safe return of Hazel the therapy dog and are offering a reward of up to £2,500 for information, given anonymously to Crimestoppers, that leads to her safe return.

“Please tell our charity what you know. We guarantee you’ll stay 100% anonymously. Always.

"You can call our UK Contact Centre, which is open 24/7, on freephone number 0800 555 111 or you can fill out our simple and secure anonymous online form at  www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

"Your information could make all the difference and reunited a much-loved pet with its owners who miss her so much.”