A woman left “mortified” after her Chihuahua was stolen from her garden is offering a £500 reward for information leading to the return of her pet.

Laura Blanco-Medina said two-year-old Dante was snatched from her garden in Woodcot Avenue, Baildon, on Friday at about 1.15pm, when someone cut his lead.

Laura, 27, said: “I am distraught about the whole thing. Someone has cut the lead. They have come right into the garden to get him – and it isn’t even a garden you can just pass by.

“I am mortified.”

Laura said Dante, a teapot Chihuahua she has had since he was born, was in the garden with her other dog while boyfriend Alex Brown, 25, was in the house.

“My boyfriend came out of the house and saw the end of Dante’s lead cut off in the garden,” said Laura. “Dante will be petrified.”

She added: “I know other dogs have been targeted in the Baildon area, so I just wanted to warn other dog-owners. It is obviously people who know what they are doing.”

A police spokesman confirmed officers attended the address. He said: “The dog, a male beige Chihuahua, had been tied up by the owners, and it is believed thieves cut the lead before making off with the animal.

“The Chihuahua was wearing a pink collar and anyone who saw suspects leaving the scene with the dog, or who has information should contact the Shipley neighbourhood policing team on 101.”

He added that the dog was chipped so anyone who finds it should take it to a vet or animal shelter, or contact police.