A desperate search is underway for a dog last seen running on the M4 near Swindon.
The cocker spaniel escaped from a home in Royal Wootton Bassett on Sunday (26 July).
The brown and white dog, named Ruby, got out at around 7.15pm from the Coxstalls area while her owners were out celebrating a birthday meal.
According to owner Emily, the spaniel was initially seen running into cornfields near Marsh Farm.
A later sighting placed her on or near the M4 between junctions 16 and 17, prompting an urgent response.
Police have reportedly carried out checks of the motorway, while volunteers from Drone Search and Rescue (SAR) have also been assisting with thermal imaging equipment.
Searches were ongoing at 5.20pm today (Monday), with people warned not to approach her but instead call the owner to report sightings.
Emily said the escape had turned what should have been a special occasion into a heartbreaking evening.
She wrote: “My beautiful girl has managed to get out of the house while out for a birthday meal.
“She’s a small brown and white cocker spaniel, weary of men.
“Has got out by the high street, Coxstalls. Last seen sighted running into the corn fields by Marsh Farm.
“It’s my birthday and naturally breaking my heart. We are out looking.”
The dog’s owners say she is nervous, shy and frightened of men, and have urged anyone who sees her not to approach or chase her, as this could cause her to run away.
Instead, anyone who spots the spaniel is asked to report the sighting immediately so her owners can get to the location as quickly as possible.
Anyone with information or a sighting is asked to call 07951 799222.
