JERRY – the missing pet dog of North Dorset MP Simon Hoare – has sadly passed away.

The Conservative MP revealed a sad end to the search for the missing terrier on social media this morning (February 16).

He wrote: “My family and I have been touched by the help and kindness of so many people as we’ve looked for our dog Jerry.

“That search ended this morning, as I found him.

“It looks like he’d had a heart attack (there’s not a mark on him) in a nearby pond.

“He was always loved and (will) be forever missed.”

Tributes poured in for the dog, who went missing on January 27, prompting the community to rally in search to help the ‘distraught’ Hoare family.

Doug Beattie, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party in Northern Ireland, wrote: “Awful. Sorry to hear this Simon. Thoughts with your family.”

And in a sign of cross-party sympathy Stephen Farry, deputy leader of the Alliance Party in NI, said: “Sorry to hear this. Thoughts with all of the family.”

The Dogs On The Streets charity added: “So very sorry, our condolences to you and family. Jerry may not be with you in fur but will always be in spirit.”