Leyla, a Staffordshire bull terrier was discovered in St Helens, 200 miles away from her home.

She had a puncture wound to her neck and cuts and scratches to her face.
It is believed the four-year-old bitch was snatched for breeding purposes.

Her devoted owner, Nikki Stockwell made the cross-country dash with her mum Shirley Netall as soon as she was told that her pet had been found safe and well. She had spent months leafleting and putting up posters but had given up hope.

A local resident had seen the lost hound wandering round her neighbourhood a few months ago. She kept on feeding her before taking her to the dog wardens last week.

Nikki said: "It was amazing, I could not believe it. I had really given up hope of ever finding her, it was like losing a relative.

"She was stolen in March and I reported it to my local police. I even got a phone call from someone telling me they knew who had taken her and she had been sold for just £50.

"I didn't know who had her, how they were treating her and it was terrible. To get her back home and safe just means so much to me - and my other dog Rizla who is clearly over the moon."

Nikki wants to thank the resident who kept on feeding Leyla while she was lost in St Helens.

"Without her, then Leyla could have died. This world is full of nasty people and for someone to give up their time and energy like this means a lot."

Leyla has now back home and has made a full recovery.

Councillor Carole Kavanagh, executive member for environmental protection, said: "The dog had a microchip which meant we could easily contact her owner.

"We were able to contact Petlog the company who hold the national database and we were told who the owners where and that they had reported the dog stolen in March of this year. This shows the benefits of having your dog chipped.

"This service is offered by our Dog Warden Service by ringing 01744 456338."