DOGS are ‘missing out’ due to fears over increasing incidents of pets being lost or stolen.

Dog owners say they are scared to walk their beloved pooches, regardless of the time of day, due to increasing stories of pets going missing.

Jade Williams from Flint has brought the community together to help raise awareness of the concerns and to increase confidence amongst residents.

After setting up a Facebook group earlier this week, the page - DOGS STOLEN/LOST IN N.WALES & CHESHIRE – has already received over 1,000 members.

Jade told the Leader: “People just don’t know what to do, it seems like everyone is left to fend for themselves.

“Dog thefts are on the rise, especially in this area and it’s scary.

“I set up the page and it’s constantly growing. I’m getting loads of messages people wanting to volunteer and help in any way they can. One man has even offered use of his drone for any missing dog searches.

“Creating this one big page, we are all connected. Rather than having our own individual pages for our town, we can come together now, everyone is communicating.

“We need to work together. If someone notices something suspicious they can warn other people and hopefully prevent an incident happening. I wanted a nice page rather than a witch hunt.”

Jade said advice will also be given on how to walk your dog safely and tips on safety. Dog collars are also available to inform others their pet is chipped or sprayed.

Jade added: “I’ve already helped a dog be reunited with its owner so the page is already helping people. My aim was to help even just one dog and I’d be happy, but everything else now is a bonus.

“If your dog genuinely is lost, all it takes is one person to be driving past and assume it’s a lost stray.

“I do think it’s disgusting and I can’t believe this is the sort of thing we have to resort to. We are having to shield our dogs away on a nice, sunny day because people don’t want to go places.

“People are scared and dogs are missing out. People want to go on leisurely walks but they are terrified. I can’t believe I’ve had to do this but we have to work together and prevent and do what we can.

“I don’t want to slate the police but they do need to be more vocal than what they are being. They need to understand the fear and anxiety.

“I’ve had dogs for years and dog thefts have always been a problem but I do things it has risen during the lockdown.

“People do steal dogs to sell on but they are also used for fighting or bating and people don’t want to talk about that because it’s such a sad situation, but it’s the reality and it’s why people are scared.

“I hate the thought of my dog being harmed in any way, it frightens me. They are a part of the family.

“This issue is being talked about more during the lockdown, people are taking note and want to take action.

“I’d like to thank everyone for all of their support and messages and people wanting to volunteer to help, it’s means a lot.”