Pedigree pups stolen from Suffolk

A DOG breeder has today called on Suffolk animal owners to be vigilant after thieves stole four puppies worth around £1,000 each from his home.

Barry Hales, 53, of London Road, Capel St Mary, told The Evening Star he is convinced his home was targeted because the offenders knew the value of the pedigree dogs.

The Pug breed dogs were taken from a shed in Mr Hales back garden some time between 3.30pm on Sunday and 8.30am the following day.

The theft of the puppies comes just a year after a previous theft of dogs from Mr Hales' home when three bitches were taken.

Mr Hales, who has been breeding dogs for 30 years, said: “I think it is someone who knows I breed dogs.

“You get people who come and look at puppies and because of the cost of them now dog theft is a big business.

“I think the people who have done it are pretty low-life but dogs go for such big money now that you get this kind of thing.”

Mr Hales, who is now installing CCTV cameras, said the thieves have not got the paperwork for the dogs meaning they would get around £300 or £400 for the puppies if selling them.

He has called on fellow dog breeders to be vigilant and is asking members of the public not to buy pedigree dogs unless they have the paperwork showing them as registered with the Kennel Club.

The stolen puppies are described as two fawn coloured bitches about 16-weeks-old, one apricot coloured bitch about 16-weeks-old and one apricot coloured male about 18-weeks-old. All the bitches have umbilical hernias and the male has a scar on his neck.

The thieves left one puppy wandering in the grounds of the house.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pc Peter Haddock at Capel St Mary Police Station on 01473 613500.

N Have you been the victim of a pet theft? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Weblink:

www.suffolk.police.uk