A DOG that had been snatched from its owner as she took it for a walk has been found – hours after the Evening Times reported the brazen theft.

However, happiness turned to horror after the family was told their dog, seven-month-old Buster, had been discovered in a distressed and aggressive state.

He is yet to be reunited with his owners due to the effects of his ordeal.

It is feared the puppy was stolen by criminals involved in a dog fighting ring.

Eileen and Michael Bray, and children, Andrew, 6, and Jessica, 4, of Erskine, Renfrewshire, had appealed for help finding Buster in yesterday's Evening Times.

Hours later, the dog was found in the area.

However, it is feared the Border Terrier and German Shepherd cross had been badly mistreated and starved.

While he recovers from his ordeal, Buster is being cared for by his previous owner.

Mrs Bray, 38, said: "We are all so relieved Buster has been found.

"It is obviously difficult we can't have him home straight away, but the main thing is Buster is safe.

"We have not seen him yet, but he is traumatised and had not been taken care of by whoever stole him. He has been kicked and punched quite a bit by whoever had him.

"It seems they have been trying to encourage Buster into becoming an aggressive dog.

"Because he is still so young, he is ideal for being trained to fight. This is what makes us think these people may have been trying to get him involved in dog fighting."

Buster was snatched from Mrs Bray as she took him for a walk near their home in Bargarran Road on Friday night.

A man came up to her, unclipped the animal's lead and then ran off with the pet.

Buster was taken just a week after the family had collected it from an animal charity.

Mr Bray, 35, said: "Although Buster has no visible injuries, he is not walking as he normally would. His back legs seem to be sore.

"He is very traumatised and has been acting aggressively – that is not like our Buster at all.

"Our worry is he was stolen by people involved in dog fighting and they were trying to train him for fights or using him as bait.

"He has not been fed and has lost quite a bit of weight."

The puppy had been a present for Andrew's sixth birthday and he and his sister are now desperate to see their dog again.

Mr Bray added: "I think Buster will need a few days away from the family home to calm down and get over what has happened to him.

"But we are very hopeful he will be home with us again soon, where he belongs."

Organisation Help 2 rehome Scotland had offered a £200 reward for Buster's safe return.

Police are investigating the theft. Anyone with information is asked to call Renfrew police office on 0141 532 2000.

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk

He's not walking as he normally would. His back legs seem sore