Zoey has now been found. To read the story click here

An animal welfare charity has pleaded for the safe return of a rescue dog who was reportedly stolen during an overnight break-in.

The National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) in Watford says nine-year-old Zoey, who is a mix of a Jack Russell and Poodle Cross, was taken from their centre in Tylers Way, Watford, on Tuesday night (August 11).

The charity claimed that after staff performed final night patrols, thieves gained access to the charity’s rehoming yard and stole Zoey.

Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed that it was called to a report that a burglary had occurred at the charity and that a dog was taken.

Watford Observer:

Zoey was stolen from NAWT

NAWT say this is the first time in more than 10 years that "we have suffered this kind of breach in security".

"The whole team are devastated," Jackie de Friez, centre manager at NAWT, said. "It has left us all very shaken and upset.

"More than anything, we are terrified for Zoey and desperately want her back here to be safely and responsibly rehomed into a loving family."

Ms de Friez said Zoey had only been in the care of NAWT for two weeks before she was taken.

She continued: "She has already experienced so much change in the last fortnight and this terrifying ordeal is likely to have left her traumatised.

“We don’t know why they took Zoey, but we do know that dogs are very rarely stolen by people who want to take good care of them. We dread to think what will happen to her if we don’t get her back.”

NAWT is appealing for people to look out for Zoey. Anyone with information can contact police or call NAWT on 020 8950 0177 (option 2).