A FAMILY is appealing for the safe return of a frail pet it fears was stolen in hope of a reward.

Lady, a 21-year-old Alsatian Collie Cross, went missing from her home in Heysham Drive, Holme Wood, the day before Christmas Eve, but owner Joanne Puttock says there have been recent sightings.

Miss Puttock, who rescued Lady as a pup, has been handing out fliers and putting up posters around the neighbourhood hoping it will help get the bitch back.

"We've put it out on Facebook and on Twitter and people think they've seen her but we've got nothing definite yet. We're heartbroken without her and want her back.

"She is 21, blind, deaf, and has arthritis. She is very fragile. We're thinking all sorts could be happening to her. She could have been stolen as a fighting dog but she's not well enough to be used for anything like that or may be she's been taken by someone hoping to get a reward for returning her," she said.

"We really don't know. It's so worrying because she's so old and so frail."

One post about Lady on the Get Murphy Home Facebook page – set up in the wake of another alleged dog theft in Bradford – has attracted almost 200 comments alone.

Many people are claiming the problem is becoming widespread.

One poster said: “I am so scared of my dog being stolen I have put a chain and lock on my gate. I won't leave her in the garden alone and keep the outside lights on when she goes out.”

“This is getting ridiculous surely the police have to start doing something,” said someone else.

Another said: “Everyday I'm reading of more and more dogs being taken from the people who love them this needs to be stopped.”

The last sighting of Lady believed to have been on Monday, according to Miss Puttock who had been away in Norwich visiting family when Lady disappeared.

"Someone thinks they saw here near the Co-Op in Holme Wood, she was apparently with two Polish or Eastern European men," she added.

Lady, who looks like a ginger fox with a white under belly, usually stays close to home and has never wandered off alone before.

"I'd left Lady at home with my brother-in-law who was keeping an eye on her and my house while I was away. Lady doesn't wander out of my garden unless she is with me, so that's why I think she was stolen.

"My brother-in-law had been out in the garden with her and he'd gone back inside to get his coat but when he got back she'd gone."

The family has reported Lady's disappearance to police.

Miss Puttock said: "Lady's such a brilliant pet. She gets on well with the kids, she's so laid back - all she really does is lay down in her bed. That's what makes her even more vulnerable and at risk.

"My girls are absolutely distraught. We miss Lady and want her back safe and sound. She means the world to us.

"We can't afford to pay a reward to bring her home so we're hoping whoever has got her or who ever finds her will just return her to where she belongs with us."

Anyone with information can contact Miss Puttock on 07858326110 ore-mail her at joannewhitaker2013@hotmail.com.