AN ATHERTON woman fears her daughters' Christmas surprise pup might end-up in the dog fight underworld.

Kath Price's 11 year-old daughter Danielle is heartbroken at losing her playful six months old Staffordshire bull terrier dog.

He went missing on a Thursday afternoon from the locked rear yard of their home in Millers Lane, Atherton.

"He's a real softy but after making inquiries we understand four Staffies and an English bull have gone missing from the area. We're worried he's been stolen for fighting," said Mrs Price.

"Neighbours saw two men in a red pick-up truck acting suspiciously around the time he went missing.

"Danielle is heartbroken. She just wants him back. We have searched everywhere and we are prepared to pay a good reward for information leading to his return."

The leggy pup, all black with a dash of white on his chest, had a studded collar and identity disc on when it disappeared.

And the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue Organisation confirmed suspicions that dogs were being stolen to be used for fighting.

Rescue group organiser Barbara Green said: "These dogs are being stolen up and down the country for a variety of reasons, including for fighting, breeding or to give the thief status because they are seen as macho dogs."

Anyone with information about Danielle's lost pup should ring 0973 784014.

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