Pauline Farley, a pensioner from Weston-super-Mare, has been left utterly distraught after her cherished dog Monty was stolen from her car during a brief shopping trip. On September 6, Pauline left Monty inside her vehicle at The Range retail park, cracking the window open for ventilation, between 3:30pm and 3:45pm. Upon returning, she discovered that the car window had been forcefully pushed down and that Monty was missing.
Lisa Dean, who runs Beauty’s Legacy-a nationwide animal welfare charity dedicated to reuniting lost and stolen pets-expressed deep sympathy for Pauline. She described Pauline as “absolutely devastated,” adding that Pauline feels a strong sense of guilt for leaving Monty in the car, alongside anger at the theft.
Lisa shared, “She is very frightened about Monty’s wellbeing and what he may be enduring. Monty is a lovely little dog. It has been a terrible shock for her.”
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Support from the local community in Weston-super-Mare has been remarkable. Volunteers and local businesses have rallied to aid in the search, with more than 1,200 flyers distributed. Posters have appeared in shop windows and leaflets posted through letterboxes, while a local chip shop has kindly offered to serve as a hub for collecting information.
Beauty’s Legacy has secured a crime reference number as the police continue to investigate. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Avon and Somerset Police quoting reference number 52/26256389.
A reward is being offered for information leading to Monty’s safe return, with anonymity guaranteed for informants.
Lisa appealed to the public, saying: “If anyone was near the Gallagher Retail Park on Marchfields Way on the afternoon of Sunday, September 6, please check dashcam footage or recall any unusual observations. The bus line stopping near the retail park might have passengers who saw someone carrying a small dog without a lead.”
She also made a direct plea to the individual who took Monty: “If this was done out of concern, thinking the dog was abandoned, please know that Monty was left only briefly. Now is the time to do the right thing and return him safely and confidentially.”
The search has also been publicised on social media to encourage the public’s assistance.