A Weston-super-Mare pensioner has been left devastated after her dog, Monty, was stolen from her car in the car park of The Range on September 6th. Pauline Farley had left Monty in her vehicle with the window cracked open while she quickly visited the store between 3:30pm and 3:45pm. Upon returning, she discovered that the window had been forcibly pushed down and Monty was missing.
Lisa Dean, who runs the nationwide animal welfare charity Beauty’s Legacy-which specialises in reuniting lost and stolen pets-expressed Pauline’s distress, saying she was “absolutely devastated.” Lisa explained that Pauline feels “very guilty for leaving him in the car” and is “very angry that someone has done this.” She added that Pauline is “very frightened about where Monty is and what he’s going through,” describing Monty as a “lovely little dog.”
The response from the Weston-super-Mare community has been overwhelming, with numerous volunteers and local businesses contributing to the search efforts. Over 1,200 flyers have been distributed, and posters have been displayed in shop windows and through residents’ letterboxes. Notably, a local chip shop has offered to serve as a central collection point for any information.
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The police are actively investigating the theft and a crime reference number has been provided: 52/26256389. Avon and Somerset Police encourage anyone with information to come forward, promising anonymity.
A reward is being offered to anyone providing information that leads to Monty’s safe return. Lisa Dean has urged people who were in or near Gallagher Retail Park on the afternoon of September 6th to check their dashcam footage or recall any unusual activity. Particular attention is requested for anyone who may have seen a small dog being carried without a lead near the nearby bus stop during that time.
Lisa also made a direct appeal to the person who took Monty, suggesting that if they believed they were acting responsibly by removing a dog thought to be abandoned, they should understand Monty was only left briefly and now is the time to “do the right thing” by returning him safely and confidentially.
A dedicated Facebook page has been set up to keep the public informed about the ongoing search for Monty.