A lost dog has been reunited with its owners after being missing for two weeks when it was found in Coalville - over 20 miles away from home.

Trouser, a Miniature Schnauzer from Lichfield was recovered in Coalville last month after being reported by a local resident to North West Leicestershire District Council's Dog Control Officer.

The council worked with Animal Care Services Ltd, a well-known kennel service in Leicestershire, to locate Trouser's owners using contact details found in the dog's microchip.

The missing hound had been away from the Downes family home in Whittington for two weeks and was thought to have been stolen after it was caught on CCTV being loaded into a van.

Trouser was found on a local farmer's land in Coalville and appeared to be scared, shivering and dirty although no injuries or harm were identified.

The Miniature Schnauzer was well-known around the village and locals, friends and family had come together to help bring the family dog home.

With dog theft rates increasing across the country, North West Leicestershire District Council is encouraging anyone with pets to make sure that they are microchipped, and registered details are regularly kept up to date to help return lost or stray dogs to owners.

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at the district council said: "Trouser's story is sadly one of many where dogs or pets have been taken away from their family home.

"Thankfully, on this occasion we were able to return Trouser to her owners who had made sure she was microchipped and could be contacted in such circumstances.

"We have an excellent, award-winning stray dog service here in North West Leicestershire and microchipping has played a big part in helping us to reunite many lost or stray dogs with their families.

"We ask that dog owners make sure that their registered details are regularly kept up to date to help us to return more dogs like Trouser. If you see any lost or stray dogs around the district, please do not hesitate in reporting them to us."

Dan Downes, owner of Trouser Downes, said: "We have been completely overwhelmed by the support from people to help us bring Trouser home and would like to thank everyone for their efforts.

"When the phone rang to say that Trouser had been found, we couldn't quite believe it and were extremely grateful to Animal Care Services who followed a strict process to make sure Trouser was being returned to the right home.

"If you have a dog, please make sure that you have them microchipped and keep your details up to date – it might just help to bring them home if you ever find yourselves in a situation like ours."

Any reports can be made by calling the council on 01530 454545 on weekdays between 8.30am and 5pm or through an out of hours service between 5pm and 9pm on 0116 269 6177. More information is available at www.nwleics.gov.uk/straydogs