Police probe after missing spaniel Mabel found dead, reigniting fears over dog thefts

Investigation launched after high-profile search ends in tragedy

Lancashire Police have begun an investigation after Mabel, an 18‑month‑old cocker spaniel missing for three months, was found dead. The young dog vanished from a farm in Inskip on the morning of Friday 10 April, prompting a countywide search and a £10,000 reward offered by her owners, Sarah and Paul Livesey. They had feared she was taken by a visitor to their farm shop for breeding purposes.

Charity Beauty's Legacy, which specialises in reuniting lost and stolen pets, confirmed the news to supporters and volunteers who had joined the search effort. In a message shared on social media, the group said the family were devastated and thanked the public for their efforts.

"It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce that Mabel's body has been found. Sarah and her family are absolutely broken, they did everything they could to find their girl."

Speaking previously about the impact on the family, Mabel’s owner described her as “the most loving loyal dog” and said she was at the centre of their lives. Police have not released details about where or how Mabel was found. Enquiries are ongoing.

Rising concern over pet theft in the North West

The case has reawakened anxieties about dog theft across Lancashire and the wider region. It is believed around 2,000 dogs are stolen nationally each year, with the North West among the highest risk areas. Stealing a dog is now treated as a specific criminal offence, with perpetrators facing potential custodial sentences of up to five years.

Lisa Eardley, centre manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, reflected on the motives behind such crimes, stressing the harm to families alongside the commercial drivers that fuel thefts.

"I don't think they consider the impact it has on families when they steal these dogs. It's an easy way to make money and it's quite quick and you can move dogs quite quickly and sadly this is the reality we are in at the moment, especially with what we call 'cute breeds'."

Campaigners say small, popular breeds are particularly vulnerable due to demand for puppies and their relative ease to transport and hide. Victims often face limited information and long searches, with few immediate leads once animals have been moved on.

Community response and support

The public response to Mabel’s disappearance brought an outpouring of offers to help search and share information across Lancashire. Beauty’s Legacy thanked those who volunteered time and resources, acknowledging the emotional toll of the outcome on supporters. The group has invited anyone affected by the news to contact them for assistance and signposting to support services.

Residents in Wyre and surrounding districts say the case has added to a sense of unease over the safety of pets in rural and semi‑rural settings, where farm shops, trails and public access routes bring steady visitor numbers.

What owners can do

While every situation differs, animal welfare charities and police forces consistently advise taking practical steps to deter theft and aid recovery if the worst happens:

• Ensure microchipping is current and registered with up‑to‑date contact details.
• Use secure fencing and locks at properties, especially where pets have outdoor access.
• Avoid sharing real‑time locations of walks on open social media accounts.
• Consider visible ID on collars and keep clear, recent photographs for identification.
• If a pet goes missing, report to police immediately, notify local vets and rescues, and alert dedicated lost pet networks.

Key facts at a glance

Anyone with information that may assist Lancashire Police is urged to come forward. For families following the case, local charities and support groups remain available to offer guidance in the days ahead.