Leeds couple reunited with missing dog Vixen after van theft
Date of alert:
Monday, 12 February 2024
Crime Ref:
Force:
West Yorkshire Police
A couple who have been reunited with their dog after their van was stolen with their beloved pet inside have said their "family is complete again".
Vixen, a five-year-old cocker spaniel, was with four other dogs inside the van owned by Davina and James Wiles when it was taken in Leeds on 23 January.
The other dogs were later found, but Vixen remained missing for two weeks.
She was finally rescued by a member of the public who was approached by two men trying to sell her, Mrs Wiles said.
Mr and Mrs Wiles, dog trainers who live in Thorpe on the Hill in Leeds, received a phone call on Tuesday from the person who knew about the search for Vixen and had been approached by someone claiming to have a dog for sale.
Mrs Wiles said: "He arranged to meet to look at the dog and as soon as he saw Vixen, he said something to them about it being her.
"At that point, the pair ran off and the man grabbed Vixen's lead and just got hold of her."