A WOMAN claims dog-nappers may have taken her sister's pet puppy after it escaped from a back garden.

Barbara Hogan let six-month-old Jack out to play in the garden of her home in Ramsgreave Drive, Blackburn.

But when she went to let him back in ten minutes later, the white West Highland terrier had clawed its way through some netting in the fence and escaped.

Barbara, who was looking after the pup for her sister, Lesley James, said a neighbour told her they had seen a man driving a white van pick up the dog and drive off.

She said he had told the neighbour he was taking the dog to the police station, but it has not been handed in at any kennels or animal home in the Blackburn area.

Barbara, 38, said: "I just let him out to do what dogs do - play and so on - and ten minutes later, I checked and he had gone.

"I have been everywhere trying to find him.

"I have delivered letters through people's doors, put notices in shop windows, tried radio and newspaper adverts.

"Then I spoke to a neighbour who said she had seen a man in a white van pick him up and drive off with him.

"She was sure of what she told me. It sounds to me like this man deliberately picked up Jack and took him away. I can't believe it.

"I had no idea Westies were sought-after, but I've found out they are and it's quite likely someone would do this. But I still can't believe it."

Jack was not wearing a collar when he went missing, and is quite small and very friendly.

Barbara has a winter coat, stockings and toys Jack was given at Christmas at home waiting for his return.

She added: "He is a lovely friendly dog. I am absolutely desperate to get him back."

A police spokesman said they had not had any other reports of possible dog-nappings.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's dog warden had also not received any other similar reports.

Anyone who can help find Jack, who disappeared on Sunday afternoon, can contact Barbara on 01254 689364.