FEARS FOR PUPS AFTER 12 ARE STOLEN IN RAID ON HOME
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10:30 - 15 January 2008
A dozen puppies worth up to £8,000 were stolen in a burglary in north west Leicestershire.
The pedigree dogs, some as young as seven weeks, were targeted in a night-time raid on a home in the Coalville area.
Owner Royston Statham today issued a desperate plea for help and is offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to the pups' safe return and the culprits' conviction.
Mr Statham, 69, said: "It is not just the value of the pups but their safety that I'm worried about.
"They are very young. Some were only weaned off their mother's milk that day and were on special food - if they are not cared for properly they will die."
Officers investigating the burglary believe the puppies, which include several rare toy breeds, were targeted by thieves to sell on as pets.
They include four Japanese spitz, three Pomeranians, a papillon, three West Highland terriers, and one black Scottish terrier pup.
The Japanese spitz is a small, relatively rare dog, identifiable by its thick white coat and pointed, husky-like features.
The thieves broke into the pups' padlocked kennel between midnight and 5am on Thursday.
A single Scottish terrier pup was left behind by the thieves.
Mr Statham, an experienced dog owner who breeds the animals as a hobby, said: "I am absolutely devastated - I love dogs and have been breeding them all my life.
"If someone has been offered one for sale recently, I urge them to contact the police as soon as possible."作者: eiffel 时间: 2008-1-16 00:15
