DOG owners across the county are being urged to keep a tight rein on their pets after a woman was forced to hand over cash for the return of her dog.

The woman, from Headcorn, near Maidstone, was telephoned by a man claiming to have found her missing dog and demanding money for its return.

The Labrador-cross had been missing for just under a week and her owner had put up 'missing' posters around the area. After the phone call, the woman arranged a meeting outside a pub with the caller last Saturday night. She was allowed to see her dog before handing over a small amount of cash. The dog was then release unharmed.

Police are investigating the incident. It is the latest in a string of dog disappearances across in the county which has led police and dog wardens to issue warnings to owners to be extra vigilant.

The owner from Headcorn, who has asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said: "Dogs are disappearing fast in this area. It feels like blackmail and there was nothing I could do about it. I was worried they might dump her, dead, on my doorstep if I didn't pay."

A spokeswoman for West Kent Police said: "We would urge owners to be careful in these circumstances and ideally contact the police before they arrange to hand over any money."