Lost and found hound reunited with owner (From Sutton Guardian)

Lost and found hound reunited with owner after Sutton Guardian appeal

10:00am Thursday 19th April 2012 in News By Joanna Matwiejczyk

A Staffordshire bull-terrier feared stolen in a burglary has been reunited with his owners, thanks to the Sutton Guardian.

The dog, called Harley, went missing on Tuesday, April 10, after a burglary at a house in East Avenue, Wallington.

Dog owner Colin Harding’s home was broken into between 7.15pm and 9.05pm. The burglars searched two rooms upstairs but took no possessions.

Mr Harding, 53, believes the burglars took his dog and let it go after realising the age of the seven-year-old terrier.

The dog was recovered after the Sutton Guardian ran an appeal on this website.

He was recovered in the car park of Homebase, Fiveways, Croydon, after the owner received a phone call from Homebase staff at 8.30am, who found him hiding in the bushes.

The dog was first spotted on April 11, but Homebase staff were unable to catch him until the next morning.

Colin Harding said: “It was a stroke of luck he was found.”

During Harley’s absence, Mr Harding took to the streets to hand out leaflets and put posters up of the missing dog.

Mr Harding said: "I did get lots of support from neighbours and the community.

"People were scouring the roads for hours.

"Yesterday, we were still traumatised with it all, I’m still angry these people committed a crime."

Upon reuniting with his dog, Mr Harding said: “I couldn’t ask for a better caring animal, he wouldn’t hurt a fly. We’re so so relieved, emotion just took over us. It’s a happy ending really.”

The dog has been checked out at the vets and been given some tablets to help keep him calm.

Mr Harding said: “I’m so thrilled and excited to have Harley back.

“It’s definitely going to be a day of treats.”

Detectives from Sutton’s burglary and robbery investigation team are continuing their enquiries.

Mr Harding thanked staff at Homebase Croydon for helping in the safe recovery and return of Harley to his family.

Anyone with any information on the break-in can call Sutton police on 101.