DOZENS of dog owners turned out to show solidarity in the search for a stolen husky which has attracted international attention.

Andy Smith's husky Murphy was stolen in early December and he is desperate to get the dog returned and has mounted a social media campaign which has attracted thousands of followers in this country but also worldwide.

On Saturday he arranged a meeting at City Park for dog owners to show solidarity with the hunt but also in an attempt to spread the word among those who do not use social media.

Mr Smith said: "Murphy is a rescue dog who is four years old and I have had him for two years but am his ninth owner. People just don't understand the husky breed.

"It has been five long weeks since he was stolen. We cannot concentrate on anything and it is putting a strain on the family.

"I am not eating or sleeping," he said.

The online campaign has resulted in 33,000 people following on Facebook, but Mr Smith he believes there is a global audience of a million people watching developments.