Seventh and final dog recovered after dog walker's van was taken in theft
A dog walker's van was stolen from Medlock Road, Failsworth, on 10 March, dumping seven dogs across Alexandra Park; the final missing dog has now been found safe after a two-day search by volunteers, police and the owner.
Final Dog Found After Van Theft Sparks Massive Search
Seven dogs stolen from a dog walker’s van in Failsworth have all been safely recovered after a dramatic two-day search involving thermal imaging technology and dozens of volunteers.
The theft occurred at 11am on March 10 when a van containing the dogs was stolen from Medlock Road. The vehicle sped away before being abandoned in Alexandra Park, where the dogs were dumped. While six dogs were quickly found, one remained missing.
The breakthrough came when volunteers, including a retired Oldham neighbourhood officer, Huddersfield Canine Search & Rescue, and Oldham PCSOs, joined forces with the public. Multiple sightings poured in to police before thermal imaging equipment helped locate the final dog in dense undergrowth today, alongside the animal’s owner.
“The initial theft of the car containing the seven dogs was an incredibly upsetting incident for the pet owners, and one we are continuing to investigate,” said Sergeant Zahid Iqbal from GMP’s Oldham Neighbourhood Team. “I am glad that our local team have managed to work very effectively together with local volunteers and groups to find all of the dogs - it is definitely a positive result.”
Police continue investigating the van theft and urge anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage from the area to contact them via 101 or Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1133 of 10/03/26. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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