THE owner of a beloved pet is appealing for the safe return of her pregnant dog who was taken from near her home last week writes Sam Hughes.

Fiona Newton's long-haired chihuahua was seen being put into the back of a van near her home in Chilsworthy last Thursday afternoon, and with only four weeks to go until the dog has her puppies, Fiona is asking for help in tracking her down.

Fiona's daughter Sarah Goodall was looking after her mother's house and two dogs when the incident happened. The dogs managed to escape from the garden onto the private lane outside where a neighbour saw two men, in their mid to late 20s, take one of the dogs and put it into the back of their van.

Sarah said: 'Apparently the van stopped where the dogs were and the men tried to make out that they were trying to help them. Our neighbour told them that the dogs get out quite often and always find their way home so to just leave them but they took one. One of the dogs is quite fast so ran off down the road but the chihuahua cowers when near someone she doesn't know, so they cornered her and picked her up.

'She's due to have puppies in four weeks but she needs to go to the vet to have them because she's such a small dog there are complications during birth. There could be problems if she doesn't get to the vet — she could die. She will cost them a large amount in vet bills.

'My mum is devastated and desperate that she comes home safely — we just want her home.'

The incident has been reported to the police. The family is also offering a reward for information leading to the safe return of the chihuahua.

The dog is a sandy coloured chihuahua with black specks along her spine, long-haired ears and has darker coloured fur around her muzzle and eyes.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Fiona or Sarah on 01822 834970.