CALLOUS fraudsters have been trying to con money out of a family who believe their beloved pet dog has been stolen.
Freddie, a three-year-old brown coloured neutered Staffordshire Bull Terrier, ran off at around 6.30am on Saturday May 21 while being put back into his owners’ car in Shakespeare Gardens.
The family, who wish to remain anonymous, followed Freddie’s trail with their other dog Taco – but the trail went cold by the roadside, leading them to fear Freddie was driven away in a car.
Since putting up posters appealing for information, several people have phoned the family demanding money in exchange for Freddie’s return.
The canine rescue which united Freddie with his adoptive owners in 2014 is appealing for his safe return – or for genuine information about his whereabouts.
Kate Edwards, welfare co-ordinator for Room for 1 More Stafford Rescue, said: “Taco seemed to be following Freddie’s scent trail and doing a good job of it – but then he just stopped at the side of a road and didn’t want to go any further. It was like Freddie just disappeared which makes us think he was put into a car and driven away.
“Despite several days passing, no one genuine has got in touch to say they have him so there is obviously a fear he was stolen.
“Freddie’s adopters have done everything they can to try and find their much loved pet, who is being missed by them and his canine companion Taco.
“Sadly, several people have called Freddie’s owners and claimed they have him but will only give him back if they are paid a large amount of money. Several different people have tried the same trick and it is just awful.
“Luckily, we have not released everything there is to know about Freddie, and by asking these so-called finders for more information it has been obvious they don’t have the dog and know nothing about what happened to him.
“They are just trying to trick money out of good people – it is disgusting.”
Anyone with genuine information about Freddie is urged to call 07551 525806.
