Perthshire dog theft: Dog owner 'overjoyed' to be reunited with pooch found in England 260 miles from Scottish home

A delighted dog owner was reunited with her stolen pooch after it was found 260 miles from home - but fears for her other pet which is still missing.

A delighted dog owner was reunited with her stolen pooch after it was found 260 miles from home – but fears for her other pet which is still missing (Photo: Iona Mcgregor / SWNS).

Iona Mcgregor, 18, was on holiday when her two female Cocker Spaniels were nicked from kennels at family's farm steading in Amulree, Perthshire, on July 15.

But she was 'overjoyed' when one of the dogs was found in Brinsley, Nottinghamshire earlier this week - 260 miles away.

The beloved pooch was 'extremely restless and scared' after being found by a local dog walker who took her to a vet where she was scanned for a microchip.

Iona Mcgregor, 18, was on holiday when her two female Cocker Spaniels were nicked from kennels at family's farm steading in Amulree, Perthshire, on July 15.

Iona said she was heartbroken after the dogs, which she declined to name, were stolen and fears they were taken to breed or be sold.

But she said the pets are spayed, microchipped, and older so no use to the dog nappers and is determined to get the second one back home.

Iona said: "All safety precautions had been taken to keep the dogs safe from padlocks, CCTV, and certain people checking them at random times also.

The beloved pooch was 'extremely restless and scared' after being found by a local dog walker who took her to a vet where she was scanned for a microchip.

"We got a call saying two had been stolen but two others had managed to get away luckily.

"They had gone into one of the sheds for a metal bar to break the padlocks also moved CCTV cameras.

"I was completely devastated and in absolute shock.

"I've had them since they were eight-week-old pups.

"But I was determined we were going to get them back.”

Ms Mcgregor added: "I made a Facebook page just for the stolen dogs, I made posters, I've been on TV and radio, social media, working with police, and all the locals know about it.

"I got a call on July 20 to say one had been found, and she is now home safe and sound.

"I was completely overjoyed, I was shaking and speechless.

"She was awful on the car ride home, extremely restless and scared although she knew she was safe.

"She's still extremely on edge.

"It made me even more determined to get them both back, not just the one.

"It's our family pet, she means the absolute world to me.

"The not knowing is beyond heartbreaking.

"The pain and suffering she will be going through will scar her for life.”

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