Vets urge return of 'vital' stolen pet ambulance

A veterinary practice whose pet ambulance was stolen from a parking space outside a surgery is appealing for the "vital" vehicle's return.

Vets4Pets in Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, said CCTV footage showed the vehicle being loaded onto a low loader after being dragged from its parking space on 14 January shortly before 22:00 GMT.

Practice owners Leanne and Tom Mowlem said its loss meant home and charity visits and pet transfers were currently no longer possible and appealed for anyone with doorbell or CCTV footage from the time of the theft to contact police.

Dorset Police said inquiries into the reported theft were under way and no arrests had been made.

The Mowlems said: "This ambulance is not just a vehicle to us, it is a vital part of how we care for pets in our community.

"It was specifically designed to allow us to carry out home visits, support local charities and safely transport animals when required.

"Without it, our ability to support local pet owners will be significantly impacted."

The vets said this was the second time the ambulance had been taken.

They explained that on a previous occasion several years ago it was taken after the surgery was broken into and later recovered.