WALKS will take place across the UK to raise awareness of a stolen husky dog from Bradford.

Murphy, who has been microchipped, went missing on December 4 last year after a suspected abduction by two men in Scholemoor Cemetery.

Since then, his distraught family have reached out on social media.

Facebook page Get Murphy Home has been liked more than 36,000 times, with users sharing possible sightings.

Now Hertfordshire-based Natalie Danson has organised the national walks to raise awareness of stolen dogs like Murphy after learning of his disappearance through social media.

Murphy's Army - The Great British Walk will see 48 one-mile walks being held simultaneously at locations across Great Britain on Saturday, March 28 from 1pm.

The Bradford walk meets at Centenary Square with everyone welcome to attend.

Murphy's campaign has received celebrity backing through the likes of Bradford illusionist Dynamo and comedian Johnny Vegas.

David Cameron condemned the theft of four-year-old Murphy during Prime Minister's Questions earlier this month.

Dozens of dog owners also showed their solidarity in the search for Murphy by meeting up in City Park.

Murphy's owner, Andy Smith, who will attend the Bradford walk, said: "It's amazing and unbelievable how many people are getting involved and taking time out of their day to take part.

"The walk is to raise awareness of all of the dog thefts that are going on.

"It has been nine weeks since he went missing now.

"It will be held on March 28 which will be two years on that day since we had Murphy.

"I'm still not eating or sleeping properly. I'm checking my computer and I've had so many messages from people who have wished me luck.

"I did not think the campaign and the walks would get as big as this.

"The walks idea was a random stranger getting in touch who feels for me and my family after Murphy had gone missing."

Miss Danson said: "One walk has been organised in each of the counties in England.

"I read about Murphy on social media and it has hit a lot of hearts across the country, rooting for Murphy to come home."

Meanwhile, compulsory dog chipping could stop a repeat of the spate of dog thefts like Murphy, a government Minister has told Shipley MP Philip Davies.

Mr Davies questioned whether the compulsory measure, to be implemented from April 2016, will reduce dog stealing – many of which he feared are used for fighting.

Environment Minister George Eustice said: "Compulsory micro chipping will make it far easier to detect this type of crime and we will be issuing guidance to vets and others if they suspect a dog has been stolen to report it to the relevant authorities.”

For more details, go to murphys_armyGBW on twitter and the Murphy's Army - The Great British Walk Facebook page.

Anyone with any information about Murphy can contact Mr Smith on 07759 851895.