Puppies stolen at Christmas may be up for sale now

Police

Joe Bill Thursday, February 6, 2014 10:30 AM

Police areasking public to watch-out for stolen cocker spaniel pups

Cruel thieves who stole seven spaniel puppies along with their mother from a home in Matfield at Christmas, may now be putting them up for sale.

The dogs were stolen on December 23 following a break-in in Petteridge Lane, near Tunbridge Wells. The litter is currently aged around seven to eight weeks old and police believe it is likely that the offenders will now try to profit from their ill-gotten gain.

Det Con Sarah Jacobs has urged members of the public to report anyone suspicious who may be trying to sell puppies.

DC Jacobs said: 'We are asking people to think very carefully if they are offered spaniel puppies for sale. If you are not familiar with the seller, or the animals offered for sale are not from a reputable source, than please contact police. Your call could help reunite these puppies with their rightful owner and return them to a safe home.'

The offenders also stole power tools during a break-in, which occurred between 5pm and 8.30pm. The victim was out shopping and had left a four-year-old cocker spaniel bitch called Rusty with her puppies. When the victim returned home he discovered burglars had smashed through a door and the dogs were missing.

The puppies' father was found wandering a road nearby, suffering from a head wound believed to have been caused by a blunt instrument.

Six of the puppies are described as being chocolate coloured, two of which have some white markings. The other puppy is black with two white rear paws.

DC Jacobs added: 'This has caused a huge amount of distress to the owner, who has not only had to contend with having his home burgled but has obvious concerns over the welfare of his dog and these very young puppies.

'It is likely that whoever is responsible also stole the mother as they realised the puppies were not old enough to survive on their own. However, now they will be looking to cash in on their crime, which is why we are asking members of the public for their help.'

Anyone with information should contact DC Jacobs on 01622 604 356, quoting reference YY/025769/13. Alternatively, contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.