DOGS are being snatched from the streets of Cheltenham and Tewkesbury, an animal welfare charity has claimed.
Staff at Cheltenham Animal Shelter have issued a warning to owners to be on their guard after learning dog-nappers may be in the area.
They fear the animals are being used to fight one another in sick bloodsports.
It is understood a silver Volkswagon Touareg has already been used to take the animals from the Charlton Kings area.
And there are now warnings the vehicle has been spotted in parts of Tewkesbury.
Deb Barron, education and fundraising manager at the animal shelter, said the incidents had been confirmed by the Community Safety Partnership in Tewkesbury.
"It is shocking and worrying that this is happening on our doorstep," she said.
"I would urge owners not to leave their dogs unsupervised, whether it is outside a shop, in a car or even in their own back garden. I have spoken to Tewkesbury's Community Safety Partnership which told me these reports are being investigated.
"It would appear the dogs are then being used for fighting, although we have no way of knowing this for certain.
"Any breed could be used for these fights – it does tend to be stockier built dogs – but a dog that is any size can be made aggressive enough."
Police said there had been only one report of dogs stolen in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury in the past two months.
Alexa Collicott, of Gloucestershire police, said: "We have not been made aware of any dog thefts specifically for baiting and there is no evidence to suggest this is the case. In April, there were no dog thefts reported to us in the county.
"Last week, two dogs were in a car when it was stolen, one of which was found, but it is believed the thieves were not targeting the animals."
