HASLEMERE neighbourhood PC Ralph Swindell has repeated the warning to dog owners to be on their guard following reports of dog napping in the area. In the most recent incident, a spaniel was snatched from a farm near Medstead. PC Swindell, the officer for Haslemere, Chiddingfold and Grayswood has issued the following advice in partnership with Waverley dog warden Julie Gregory. He says while incidents of this nature are rare, the advice will ensure your safety and deter an opportunistic thief. Helping to identify your pet dog: l Make sure your dog has got a collar and tag with your contact details. l Have your dog chipped. l Have a recent photograph of your pet. Walking your dog: l Do you know the area and feel safe in the area you will be walking? l Consider walking with a friend or relative l Keep to paths and open ground Before taking a dog for a walk: l Tell someone where you are going, and for how long. l Let people know how you can be contacted. Items to carry while out walking: l Mobile phone l Torch l Whistle l Wear a watch Finally ensure you know where your dog is, keep them in sight and ensure you have control. If you experience any problems whilst out walking your dog please contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 22 22 or the Dog Warden on 01483 23324.
Reward offered for missing dog In a recent incident the owners of a dog, who they believe was snatched from a farm in broad daylight, are offering a reward for his safe return. Archie, an 18-month-old pedigree spaniel disappeared from the farm near Medstead at around 3pm on Friday, April 24. According to owner Janet Sole, a red Peugeot car came slowly down the driveway of their Wield Wood Farm and stopped, presumably to pick up the dog. The vehicle then turned quickly and sped off. Mrs Sole said that while the approaching vehicle was also seen from the office of Blackmoor Game Ltd, it was assumed that the occupants were customers of the farm shop. She told the Herald that Archie, a working farm dog, is friendly and would have gone to greet the visitors. He also likes riding in cars and would have jumped in if enticed. "We saw what was happening but couldn't make chase quickly enough so the driver escaped with the dog," said Mrs Sole who hasn't slept since for worrying about his welfare. Archie is in training to be a gun dog, and is described as "very friendly and obedient" with distinctive markings. He is nearly all white with just a few brown spots on the legs and ears and a very large brown "tear drop" under his right eye, which makes him look sad. A fifth generation pedigree, Archie is not used to being tied up, nor does he walk on a lead. Mrs Sole says that a similar vehicle was seen at a neighbour's farm but the occupants, a man and a woman, were disturbed and left without taking anything. It is believed that in both incidents the red car was carrying false number plates. Anyone with information can call Alton police on 0845 045 4545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The incident follows unconfirmed reports of other incidents of dog napping in the Herald area. l In Hindhead last month, a three-year-old Jack Russell named Dave went missing from a farm in Hyde Lane, near the Devil's Punchbowl. Owner of the wire-haired Jack Russell, Sally Shepherd, fears he may have been snatched after reading of other incidents, reported in the Herald last month. Dave is still missing. Anyone with information can call Mrs Shepherd on 01428 604294.