Mr Roberts is offering the £1,000 reward for information leading to the safe return of the seven-month old dog, which has a distinctive white chest.

Alfie ran off his lead on Sunday, November 11, near the pavilion cafe in the park at about 1.30pm.

Mr Roberts, a plasterer, said his 13-year-old step-daughter Bronte was devastated by the loss. But he added their campaign had been given new hope after a witness reported seeing the dog being put on a lead by a couple.



West Yorkshire Police have now become involved in the matter.

Mr Roberts, 38, who stayed up until 4am looking for the dog, said: "I have put hundreds of posters up all over Leeds, all across the park and even paid for an advert in the paper offering a reward of £500.

"Then we had someone come forward who said they saw Alfie in the park down by the lake at about 2pm. This is why I have decided to up the reward, because I think it will make people sit up and take notice."

Mr Roberts said he had been told that Alfie was put on a lead by a couple who were walking two springer spaniels.

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He said: "I was told by someone who was walking their own dog that a couple approached them and asked if it was their dog. When they said no, the couple put Alfie on a lead and said they would keep him safe.

"My daughter is distraught over the loss. She has had Alfie since he was about two months old and because she was walking him at the time she blames herself – but she shouldn't because the dog can't come back to her if someone else has put him on a lead and taken him away."

Alfie was last spotted near the lake in Roundhay Park on November 11, around 2pm. A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Police said: "It has been reported to us. We would appeal for anyone with information to come forward."

Anyone with information can ring Mr Roberts on 07947 818584 or the police on 0845 6060606.