Cruel crooks broke into a dog rehoming centre and kennels and stole three stray pooches.
The two thieves – caught on CCTV – took a black and white lurcher called Bella.
Another of the same breed, named Asha, was also taken, as was a terrier called Wispa.
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Asha managed to escape from the criminals and was found hiding in nearby stables.
Little Wispa was later returned to the Woodhaven Second Chance Rehoming Centre, in the village of South Milford, near Leeds.
But Bella is still missing after the break-in.
Staff alerted cops, who have begun an investigation.
A Woodhaven Second Chance Rehoming Centre spokesperson said: “On Tuesday morning, we woke to the worst realisation any dog owner could possibly imagine, our stray kennels had been broken into.
“We are absolutely devastated. They tried to take Bella, Asher and Wispa.
“CCTV shows that Wispa was taken, then later returned to her kennel. Asher was taken, but thankfully escaped and bedded down for the night at the nearby stables.
“He is injured, but is home safe, thank God
“But they have taken our beautiful Bella.
“We are heartbroken and desperate for her to come home.”
Locals reacted with shock at the crime, as reported on Need To Know.
Louise Steele said: “Oh my God, that’s awful.”
Sarah Kenny added: ”This is heartbreaking.”
Zoe Illingworth said: “I really hope they find her.”
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We are investigating a burglary at Woodhaven Second Chance Rehoming on Common Lane, South Milford.
“It occurred between 12.15am and 1am on Tuesday, 12 August.
“During the incident, two males entered the premises and stole three stray dogs from the site’s Stray Kennels.
“While one dog has since been returned, and another located, a black and white female lurcher remains missing.
“We are appealing for information from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area during that time or may know the current whereabouts of the missing dog.
“We’d also like to speak to anyone with CCTV, doorbell footage, or dash-cam recordings from the area at the time.”
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