Newport woman says men tried to take her dog at city park

On Sunday, March 28, Cindy Mulcahy says she was walking through the park opposite St Woolos Cathedral with sheep dog Lexie when two men, reportedly in their early twenties, approached her – one with a lead in his hand and the other with a “wad of cash”.

Cindy Mulcahy at the park opposite St Woolos Cathedral

Ms Mulcahy, aged 61, says the men asked her if she'd hand over the dog.

She says she quickly ran away with Lexie and has since reported the incident to the police, while daughter Tracey has warned other dog owners of the incident on social media.

Cindy Mulcahy and Lexie. Picture: Cindy Mulcahy

Lexie the sheep dog. Picture: Cindy Mulcahy

Tracey, who shares the dog with her mother, says they’ve since received messages from other dog walkers who have told them of similar incidents at Belle Vue Park in the city.

“It’s really shaken me and it just goes to show it can happen to anyone,” Cindy said.

“I want to raise awareness of the incident and heighten people’s awareness of something I believe is becoming a significant concern in Newport.”

According to missing pets website Dogs Lost there has been a 170 per cent increase in the number of dogs stolen across the UK since the start of the pandemic.

Two people reportedly tried to steal a dog in Newport last month by cutting through its lead with scissors.

There have also been reports across South Wales of fake RSPCA workers asking owners to hand over their dogs.

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Cindy, a carer in Maindee who lives near the park, said: “It’s actually been a really difficult time. I keep thinking about what could have happened. I’ve had palpitations and panic attacks since.

“I’ve become quite angry about the whole thing. I’d do anything to protect that dog, I’d put my life on the line.

“I went up to the park today (Tuesday) and was just looking around suspiciously. It’s impacted my trust.”

After Tracey left the family home and Cindy’s old dog Puppy died three years ago, Cindy says Lexie has become much more than just a pet.

“She’s kept me going through the pandemic and got me out,” Cindy said. “She makes me happy and she’s a great comfort.

“But these people who approach you like this just don’t seem to care. We’re a community of dog walkers here who unconditionally love our pets.

“The really sad thing is I see fewer people out now, and I’m sure that is because of things like this becoming a growing theme.

The road beside the park and cathedral where the men approached Cindy Mulcahy and Lexie

The road beside the park and cathedral where the men approached Cindy Mulcahy and Lexie

The park opposite St Woolos

“It’s not fair, especially at this time during a pandemic. How sad that you can’t go for a walk with your dog without being on alert constantly.”

Cindy has since been in touch with Dog Horn, a national group with a team in Newport working against dog theft by improving awareness, and handing out anti-theft products to owners, including a whistle.

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said: “A member of the public reported yesterday that she was approached by two young men acting suspiciously while out walking her dog in the park near Clifton Place, Newport, on Sunday, March 28 at around 4.45pm.

“The two young men approached her while she was walking and asked if they could buy her dog.

Lexie the sheep dog. Picture: Tracey Mulcahy

“The member of the public then walked away with her dog.

“The two people are described as being white men and in their late teens to early 20s. One was tall with dark hair and wearing a Puffer jacket while the other one was shorter with a stocky build.

“Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 21*108957.”

To find out more about Dog Horn in Newport visit https://www.facebook.com/DoghornNewport