Dog is stolen 'to order' from sanctuary

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

By Lesley-Anne Henry - Belfast Telegraph

Thieves in Co Down have sunk to new depths by stealing a dog from an animal rescue shelter.

The Old English Sheepdog, thought to be worth at least £500, was stolen sometime on Friday night.

The burglars cut through the perimeter fence at Assisi Animal Sanctuary in Conlig and took the pedigree pet.

No other animal was removed and shelter co-manager Heather Oliver said she believed the six-month-old animal had been stolen to order.

She said: "Someone has been up during the week and saw him.

"All our dogs are on display. The public can come in and view the dogs and talk to the staff about them.

"They've seen him, realised he's young, probably not neutered, and he will have been stolen to order more than likely.

The theft has been widely condemned. Councillor and MLA for the area Alex Easton said: "Assissi Animal Sanctuary plays an invaluable role in animal welfare and this burglary is deeply depressing - this dog should be returned to its rightful place and I hope that anyone who can assist the police will do so.

"I am disturbed that it may have been stolen to order and it reinforces the need for the police to be given full assistance in their investigation."