A dog who went missing following a burglary last November has been reunited with her owner.
Peggy, a black Patterdale terrier, was stolen with another dog on 10 November last year from College Terrace in Darfield.
Last week the Barnsley South Neighbourhood Team were carrying out enquiries with West Yorkshire Police when an officer spotted Peggy.
Barnsley South Neighbourhood Sergeant Rebecca Fleming said: “Our officer spotted Peggy, recognising her from photos provided by the family, and with a little encouragement managed to get her into the back of the police car.
“The officer took Peggy back to Darfield where her owner was able to identify her straight away. A little shaken from the ordeal Peggy eventually relaxed and realised she was back home where she was loved.
“We all love a happy ending!”
South Yorkshire Police have noted that during the Covid-19 pandemic dog thefts have increased across the UK, and they are urging everyone with a dog to be vigilant.
They have issued the following advice for dog owners:
Never leave your pet tied-up unattended, such as outside shops
Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and ID tag when in a public place, as you are now required to do by law. Include your surname, telephone number, address and full post code and if there’s room, put ‘microchipped’ on the tag if your dog has a chip.
Ensure your dog can be permanently identified by its microchip and check with your vet every year that details are up to date.
Beware of strangers who show interest in your dog: don’t give details about your dog, don’t allow strangers to have their photograph taken with your dog.
Ensure your garden or yard is secure. Check it regularly for wear and tear or gaps. It should keep your dog in and trespassers out. Keep your dog in view when it goes out into the garden, don’t leave it unattended.
If your dog is microchipped, report it to the microchip company and register it as lost or stolen. This will give you a better chance of being reunited with it if it is found.
For a full list of their advice, click here: https://www.southyorks.police.uk/find-out/news-and-appeals/2021/february-2021/precious-pet-peggy-reunited-with-owner/?fbclid=IwAR3R84W0_o1MxyinRR1Tn8_r93UiK6c_AR3mBWrUEkwK8bvEiQRXqvvazxY