Search underway in Greenock for missing racoon dog

A raccoon dog was on the loose in Greenock last night after apparently being pinched from its home.

Dozens of sightings of the unusual animal were reported as it was trotted along streets in the town centre.

Clips of it crossing roads and scurrying down pavements were shared online as its owner appealed for help in finding it.

It was seen in people’s gardens and peeking out from a bush. And dashcam footage from a car captured it in the headlights of a car.

West Blackhall Street this morning. pic.twitter.com/FzziSv6GmR

— Alex McGilp (@alexmcgilp) April 6, 2019

Owner Robert Kirkpatrick, who runs Ardgowan Trout Fishery, posted on Facebook: “Hi guys. Looking for a bit of help. Someone decided to steal one of my raccoon dogs yesterday. I have had a report it’s running around Greenock town just now.”

He said he keeps a pair of raccoon dogs but on Friday one was briefly set loose and the other – now missing – was taken.

Hundreds of people shared the post, prompting offers of help and reported sightings of it outside a hairdresser’s and lurking in a lane behind a church.

But not all of those commenting wanted to assist the search, with one writing: “Run free wee man.”

Raccoon dogs are native to East Asia. They are closely related to foxes, and animal charities warn against keeping them as pets.