Last of seven dogs missing in stolen van back home

The last of seven dogs which went missing when the van they were in was stolen has been found safe, police said.

Frankie the golden poodle-cross was in a van belonging to professional dog walker Abigail Booth when it was stolen in Failsworth, Oldham, around 11:00 GMT on 10 March.

Abigail said she had been dropping off a dog on Medlock Road, near Woodhouses cricket club, and heard someone "wheel-spinning away" in her van.

Five of the dogs were found in an alleyway in the Alexandra Park area a short time later and Frankie's sister Mabel was also recovered that day - but there was no sign of Frankie.

The day after the theft, Abigail told the BBC: "You just think, 'This is your fault, those dogs are supposed to be your responsibility in that situation'."

"I just felt like I'd failed them and I'd failed all the owners."

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said volunteers including Huddersfield Canine Search & Rescue and a retired Oldham police officer had helped track the dog.

Frankie was found in an overgrown area on Friday with the help of thermal imaging, and her owner Sarah Read, 59.

Sgt Zahid Iqbal, said described the theft of the fan "incredibly upsetting" for the pet owners and said the force was investigating who was responsible.

He added: "I am glad that our local team have managed to work very effectively together with local volunteers and groups to find all of the dogs – it is definitely a positive result," he said.

"Of course, however, we are investigating the full circumstances of the van theft and are undertaking multiple enquiries as part of this work."

Speaking on Wednesday, Frankie's owner Sarah told the BBC: "People have been amazing, people have come from far and wide.

"Frankie is a very very anxious girl and obviously she's been out overnight now.

"She's a very pampered princess and her stress levels will be through the roof."

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