A DEVASTATED family fear their beloved pet pug was cruelly snatched from a back garden.

They are now appealing for help to try and trace 10-year-old Nelly so she can be reunited with her rightful owners. 

The family, from Ilkley, say Nelly was taken on Thursday (June 20) between 11.30am and 11.35am on St Stephen's Road in West Bowling. 

David Hobson's partner, Anne Nalysnyk, was visiting her mother there and had taken the much-loved dog with her. 

She let Nelly out in the back garden to do her business. After hearing barking she went straight back out, only to find Nelly was gone. 

Father-of-three Mr Hobson, 54, says there is no way Nelly could have got out as the garden is fenced off.

He says a big breeze block was pushed up to the side of the fence, meaning the suspect was able to stand on it to lean over and snatch Nelly. 

"My partner and children are devastated," Mr Hobson said.

"The thief will realise she is too old to breed and may just dump her in the street.

"We are just devastated. She has always been my companion.

"It's heartbreaking. To do something like that is disgusting. 

"It's like what they always say - it's part of your family."

After seeing Nelly had gone, Ms Nalysnk looked over the fence but could not see anyone down the alley, so then ran around the streets in the hope of finding her. 

Mr Hobson has also been driving around West Bowling to see if he can track Nelly down. 

He said: "You read about it and think 'it's not going to happen to me'.

"It's a cruel, cruel thing to do."

Thankfully, Nelly is chipped and the police have been made aware. 

But the family is appealing for anyone with information to get in touch in the hope of bringing Nelly home safe and well. 

Contact Mr Hobson on 07762993969 or david_hobson@yahoo.com.