Mystery caller demanded £900 for the safe return of Jack

A woman who had her dog stolen has launched a campaign to help other pet owners facing the same situation.

Glenis Morgan-Lewis, from Maidstone, was distraught when her nine-month-old Jack Russell puppy, Jack, went missing last weekend.

Shortly afterwards she began receiving sinister phone calls, claiming the dog had been taken to Cambridge.

The calls became increasingly nasty and eventually a ransom of £900 was demanded for the safe return of Jack.

Mrs Morgan-Lewis said: "I was angry. I still am angry and I can't believe they're doing this for money."

But after putting up missing posters and searching the local area, Mrs Morgan-Lewis and her family found Jack, dirty and with an injured eye.

Kent Police said: "We are treating this as a theft and investigating it. We have heard that dogs have disappeared in the area before."

The family are now working with the RSPCA and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council to launch an advice service called Jack - Justice Against Canine Kidnap.