A DOG-OWNER whose Staffordshire Bull Terrier was stolen almost a year ago has gone on the Paul O'Grady show to appeal for his return.

Sprout, who is between three and four years old and dark brown with a small white patch on his chest, was stolen outside Tesco Express, in Uxbridge Road, in July last year.

His owner, Charlotte Wise, 38, of Inglis Road, securely chained him to a bicycle rail before popping into the supermarket for five minutes. When she returned he was missing.

And with no news for 11 months, Ms Wise hopes that her television appearance may help get her beloved pet back.

Speaking on the show she said: "We didn't realise these thefts were such a phenomenon. He was tied up for five minutes when I popped into Tesco, and when I came out again he was gone. It would just be brilliant to get him back home."

Ms Wise and her partner Perry Gibbs, 38, had owned three-year-old Sprout for just a month.

They adopted him from Battersea Dogs Home in order to lift their spirits after the death of Mr Gibbs's brother.

Ms Wise said: "Perry had always wanted a Staffy so we decided to get one because it's a jolly thing to do.

"Sprout was really lovely, we are really devastated."

She added: "He was quite distinctive looking when he was stolen because he still had his neutering stitches in."

The breed has been particularly targeted by thieves with a number of abductions in Ealing during the past year.

A similar-looking Staffordshire Bull Terrier to Sprout was stolen in Kennedy Road in Ealing last June, when the dog's owner was threatened with a gun.

Scott Craddock, from Battersea Dogs' Home Lost and Found department, said more than 3,500 dogs had been successfully reunited with owners in the past year, but admitted dognapping was on the rise.

He said: "There has been an increase in dog thefts of 24 per cent in four years.

"The best way to protect your animals is not to let them out of your sight. Microchipping is also a good way of tracking down pets who have gone missing."

Sprout's owners are now offering a cash reward for his safe return home, and on the show Paul O'Grady revealed he would add an extra £500 on to the total in order to increase the urgency of the appeal.

He said: "I really hope you get Sprout back, so if anyone out there has information give us a ring." He added joking: "I feel like I'm on crimewatch here but I don't care."

Anyone with any information can telephone Ms Wise direct on 07817 574 803.