A couple whose dog has been stolen believe she may have been taken for breeding or coursing.

Alan and Norma Tompkins think that lurcher Blossom was lifted over a fence from the paddock next to their home in King Street, Brookland.

When Mr Tompkins realised Blossom was missing he searched the paddock and nearby country lanes for her. First he found part of the wire fence around the paddock bent, as if someone had stretched over it and he then found her collar, which he says could not have fallen off, but had been purposefully removed.

He said: “We are both very upset. It is like losing a child.”

They have made 100 posters which have been displayed in Brookland and in Ashford, which show a picture of Blossom and offer a reward. They have informed the police, dog wardens, veterinary surgeries, dog pounds, Dog Lost and Lurcher Search - but there has been no sign of Blossom anywhere.

Blossom was a rescue dog, who is now aged about four. At two-years-old she was found tied up outside a kennels with 80 per cent of her skin affected by mange.

Mr Tompkins said: “She is such a lovely dog. She might have been taken for racing or coursing, but she wouldn’t do that - she’s too lazy.

“We’ve heard of two other dogs being stolen in this area in the last two years and also a horse. We are very worried.”

The dog is a saluki lurcher cross. She is tan and ginger, with white eyebrows and distinct white eyelashes.

Anyone who witnessed the dog being taken is asked to contact Ashford police station on 01233 611055.