A YOUNG West Bagborough couple, devastated by the disappearance of a beloved family dog seven weeks ago and now reported stolen, are anxious for information on a grey pick-up truck seen in the area at the time.

Marika Mossman and Jamie Bennett were walking on the Quantocks with their spaniel Scott on September 23 when he suddenly disappeared and there have been no clues or sightings since.

“We are now convinced that Scott has been stolen,” Marika said this week. “We have been searching constantly ever since and there has been absolutely no sign of him. It seems increasingly likely that someone picked him up for sale or to be kept illegally.

“That is a crime which can carry a seven-year sentence.

“So many people are still helping in the search around the West Bagborough area and along the Quantocks. We refuse to stop looking and desperately want him home. It’s so upsetting that he just vanished. In most cases when dogs disappear, someone has seen something, but despite all our efforts, no-one has come forward.

Marika said that at the time Scott went missing a grey pick-up truck was seen ‘driving very fast through the fields’. She added: “We are looking for the owner of this vehicle or any information relating to why it was there at the time.

“It just seems strange that with all the publicity over Scott’s disappearance, no-one connected to the pick-up has come forward.”

The couple rescued Scott eight years ago after he failed his training to become an explosives dog in the Army.

“Scott is so friendly he would probably go with anyone and that makes us even more worried,” Marika said. “He vanished quite near home and he is clever and confident and knows the area well. It is very unlikely he got lost. We are just hoping someone has some information on his whereabouts - he is such an important part of the family.

As part of the search, Marika and Jamie have circulated flyers and posters around the area, and conducted a massive campaign on social media. “The support has been overwhelming,” Marika said.

“To everyone asking how they can help, I say I need to reach more people and especially those who are not as active on social media, and with everything going on it’s a struggle for me to disperse as many leaflets and posters as I’d like to.

“I would be so grateful for as many volunteers as I can get to hand out leaflets and posters around neighbourhoods and display them in shops, on community noticeboards, car windows - anywhere for more people to see, and increase the chances of finding Scott.”

Marika added: “I just need one person to see a post or a flyer and have some information which could lead to his return. He belongs here at home and whoever has taken him needs to know that and bring him back.

“We miss him more than I could ever put into words. All calls will remain confidential and there is a substantial reward for any information which helps us to find him. I’m so desperate to know Scott is safe.”

Scott has a geometrix collar and is black with a grey patch under his mouth. He is microchipped. Anyone with information can call 07715 419137 or 07749 058602.