Owner 'heartbroken' after vandals target dog bus

The owner of a bus which is used to ferry dogs around for walks and days out has been left "heartbroken" after vandals tried to hotwire the vehicle in an apparent attempt to steal it.

Billy's Bus, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, is a converted school bus which takes pets on day-long adventures across West Yorkshire.

Owner Laura Mohan said the yellow vehicle was targeted on Tuesday, with "every single wire cut", leaving her facing a substantial repair bill.

She said: "Why would you want to do something like this? This bus creates real magic everywhere it goes, so it comes as a shock when something like this happens."

Mohan said the vehicle was parked at Tong Park Industrial Estate on Otley Road in Baildon when it was damaged.

She explained that the bus had to be taken off the road on Wednesday, forcing her to cancel bookings and let down dogs and owners who relied on the service.

"We've only ever had to cancel the service twice in 11 months - and that was because of extreme weather," she said.

"We have customers who rely on us to pick up their dogs - many have reasons why they can't walk their dogs themselves - so when we have to let everyone down at such short notice for something as senseless as this, it left us heartbroken."

As well as providing a daycare service for dogs, Billy's Bus takes part in community activities including "drive-bys" at care homes, schools and nurseries.

Mahon said a planned visit to a care home in Silsden on Wednesday had to be abandoned because of the damage.

She previously said she came up with the idea for Billy's Bus after struggling to find care for her own pet, a Cavapoo Billy, who inspired the name.

The bus collects about 15 dogs directly from homes in areas such as Ilkley, Leeds, Skipton, Guiseley and Horsforth, with pets treated to air conditioning or heating while listening to relaxing music.

The business gained national attention in June when singer Harry Styles gave it a shout-out during a conversation with staff member Lily Forsyth at his Wembley concert.

Responding to a social media comment suggesting she tell Styles about the vandalism, Mahon joked: "I'm sure Harry Styles has got better things to do."

Despite the setback, she said the support received from customers and the community had restored her faith in humanity.

"All the support and all the magic just makes us work harder," Mahon said.

"We've been out on the bus today. The team has been smiling more, been beeping more.

"It's going to take a lot to keep us off the road again."

West Yorkshire Police confirmed officers had received reports of vehicle interference.

A force spokesperson said: "The crime has been filed pending any new lines of inquiry."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.