THE owner of stolen husky dog Murphy has told of his frustration after it was revealed police had finished their investigations into the pet's disappearance.
Andy Smith has been told by officers that all lines of inquiry regarding the dog's theft have come to an end and that no-one has been charged.
Four-year-old Murphy went missing on December 4 last year after a suspected theft in Scholemoor Cemetery. He was found, after a huge appeal for information, in Manchester on February 26 and returned to Mr Smith.
Now, 12 weeks after his pet was found, Mr Smith has revealed his dismay at no-one being punished for Murphy's disappearance.
"I am not happy," said Mr Smith, of Cemetery Road, Lidget Green. "I have 40,000 likes on Facebook and 2.2million following the page - and I told them I was not pleased.
"Someone needs to be held accountable or they could keep doing it.
"I feel let down 100 per cent. I am told police were doing everything they can. The guy who phoned us said Murphy had been passed through several hands but no-one was talking.
"Surely something can be done even if no-one is talking.
"I am definitely frustrated. I want someone caught and punished - it might lead back to a dog ring.
"I understand the police's hands are tied with things like no comment interviews, but I wouldn't have given up straight after that."
On those responsible, and those who allegedly handled Murphy, Mr Smith said: "If they have done it before they will do it again."
Inspector Kevin Pickles, who leads the Bradford South Area Neighbourhood Team, said a thorough investigation had been carried out.
Insp Pickles said: "All current lines of enquiry regarding the theft of Murphy have been completed and the complainant has been made aware of this.
"Officers have worked closely with other police forces and external agencies, such as the RSPCA, to investigate this matter thoroughly.
"We continue to take all reports of theft extremely seriously and would ask anyone who may have information on this incident, who has not yet contacted the police, to do so."
Murphy's disappearance triggered a high-profile search campaign on social media. Facebook page Get Murphy Home received more than 37,800 likes at the time, with users sharing possible sightings.
The campaign also received celebrity backing through the likes of Bradford illusionist Dynamo and comedian Johnny Vegas.
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