On arriving at Michael White & Co – CRT at 8am Saturday morning staff noticed a large section of the fence bordering the business’ adjoining block had been removed, along with $12,000 worth of material and Mr White’s two dogs.

While theft of materials is a common occurrence at the Simpson Street business, Mr White was visibly saddened by this particular incident, to which he said “this time it’s different”.

“It’s too sad, there’s really nothing I can say… you get attached to animals,” he said.

“The dogs are like family, they’re part of your business and normally play a very important role.

“We don’t know where they are… they’ve vanished.”

Mr White holds grave concerns for his beloved stumpy tail cattle dogs – Paddy (9) and Tigger (4) – which can normally be seen at their kennels during the day, or roaming the yard after hours. 

He said it is out of character for the pair not to have returned on their own accord should they have wondered off without interference.

Initially he held hope they were collected by a passerby with intentions of returning them, however six days later and no sign of his furry friends, he believes someone has interfered with them during the robbery.

“Normally if they get out they go to McDonalds or if it’s an evening they go to the Federal to get a feed, and they are usually back home by the morning,” Mr White said.

“On this occasion they haven’t come back and they aren’t at the pound...” 

It is for this reason Mr White is appealing for the community to assist him in finding his pets, adding there will be a substantial reward should any tip-off lead to the conviction of the offender.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Michael on 6845 1878 or the Wellington Police Station on 6840 2099.