'My van was stolen with seven dogs inside'

A dog walker has said her van was stolen from outside a client's house with seven dogs onboard.

Abigail Booth from Failsworth, said she went into an "instant panic" when she heard her van "wheel-spinning" away from outside a client's house in Woodhouses, Failsworth, Greater Manchester, on Tuesday morning.

The 29-year-old said the dogs were "dumped down a backstreet" and the van was later abandoned - but one of the pets was still missing.

Greater Manchester Police said it was investigating a vehicle theft.

Abigail told BBC Manchester she arrived at the client's house at just before11:00 GMT on Tuesday, 9 March, to return their dog after her morning walk near the golf club in Woodhouses.

But she said as she was returning the West Highland White Terrier to its owners, the van was driven off at speed.

Abigail said she couldn't believe what was happening and "didn't know what to do".

"My heart just sank.

"I had the responsibility seven people's dogs - including my own dog - in the back of the van.

"I thought it was a joke. I thought someone from the area was trying to pull a prank."

She said that soon after the van was taken, her mobile phone - which had been in the vehicle - was tossed out into the street nearby.

Five of the dogs were later found in an alleyway, and, according to Abigail, a woman was able to get them into her garden.

One of the two golden poodle crosses that remained missing was discovered later, but the other, which responds to the name Frankie, was not found.

The two missing dogs belong to the same client, she added.

"I couldn't sleep last night," Abigail said. "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."

Frankie's owner, Sarah Read, 59, from Oldham, said: "We stayed out last night looking for her and have been out since four this this morning."

"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."

The last sighting of Frankie was at 09:00 on Wednesday.

Abigail and Sarah said anyone who saw the dog should avoid cornering her and instead get in touch with them on social media.

GMP said: "No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing."

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