$3000 reward offered for missing rescue beagles believed stolen from Mount Barker

A Mount Barker family has had one of their missing dogs return – but Hunter the beagle is still gone. They’ve offered a $3000 reward for his return.

Beagles Lexi and Hunter have gone missing from their Mount Barker home. Picture: Michelle Buckley

A Mount Barker family has been left overjoyed following the safe return of one of their two missing rescue dogs believed to have been stolen by pet thieves.

Six-year-old beagle Lexi returned to her Ferguson Court home on Thursday afternoon, following an almost three day adventure across the Hills.

She and her brother Hunter - who is still missing - had been believed stolen, promoting an extensive community campaign and a $3000 reward.

Owner Michelle Buckley said she elated by Lexi’s return and hoped Hunter wasn't too far behind.

“I don’t even have words to describe how I feel right now. I’m just so overjoyed as it means they weren’t stolen or worse,” she said.

“I was told by a lady that she tried to get back through the fence this afternoon and now she’s sitting here on the floor, looking very exhausted and I will take her to vet soon to make sure she doesn’t have any injuries.

“Hopefully Hunter isn’t too far behind but I urge people to keep looking.

“A big thanks also to everyone who has taken the time to help.”

The two dogs escaped their yard on Monday night, prompting a community-wide call to arms.

But despite an extensive social media campaign and flagging the disappearance with police, animal rescues and local councils, their whereabouts remained a mystery.

It was also suggested that the dogs may have been stolen by backyard breeders.

Beagles Lexi and Hunter are both rescues and feared to have been stolen by backyard breeders. Picture: Michelle Buckley

Ms Buckley said she first noticed the dogs’ disappearance on Tuesday morning after the two pooches failed to haul for their breakfast.

“It’s rabbit season at the moment so...they like to dig out as they are hound dogs and like to sniff and chase the rabbits,” she said.

“We’ve been in touch with sporting groups, parent groups, lost dogs of Australia, SA and Adelaide - and people have even put our post on buy and sell and marketplaces to help find them,” she said.

“The kids have even shared them (the posts) through schools - so we’ve really tried so many different avenues to reach people.

Ms Buckley said she urged the wider community to continue keeping an eye out for Hunter.

Hunter is starting to grey a little bit...and is very friendly and food orientated,” she said.