HE says he usually hunts for missing people, wanted criminals or long-lost parents.

But freelance private detective Mark Gibney is now seeking hot leads – for two missing dogs believed kidnapped.

Just like the pet detective played by Jim Carrey in the Ace Ventura film, the 28-year-old from Romsey offered his services after hearing about the animals vanishing.

Dog theft in Hampshire has become a lucrative trade with Yorkshire terriers, Chihua-huas, Labradors and lurchers among those being stolen.

Mr Gibney is now looking for two-year-old lurcher, Chillie and four-year-old shih-tzu Betty who, their owner believes, were stolen during an afternoon walk near their home in Braishfield on Friday, December 9.

The dogs’ owner Jack Mesquita said he is grateful that Mr Gibney called.

Mr Gibney also believes the dogs have been stolen.

He said: “Dogs are like an extended part of their family. Someone must have noticed someone else getting a couple of dogs out of the blue.”

The dogs are microchipped and so can be proved to belong to the owners.

“I am open to any ideas”, said Mr Gibney.

“Until I get the first bit of information I am saying ‘yes’ to everything.”

Pet detectives are rare in Britain – but they are used extensively in the United States where fees can run to thousands of dollars.

Many US agencies also use special dog units to sniff out clues and follow trails.

UK agency Pet Detectives, which has 250 volunteers, say one third of all dogs that go missing are reported stolen and 35 per cent are cross breeds rather than pedigrees.

The company uses DNA testing to track down pets and even offers to tackle ransom demands. n If you have any information for Mr Gibney call 07543 402 464 or email <&bh"mailto:markthebountyhunter@live.co.uk">markthebountyhunter @live.co.uk<&eh>