A FAMILY'S dog has been stolen from their North Dorset home.

Police are appealing for the public's help to find chocolate cocker spaniel Ruby, who was taken from its home in Shaftesbury.

The 10-month-old femaile dog was taken at some time between 7.30pm on Thursday, April 30, and 8am on Friday, May 1.

A spokesman for North Dorset Police said: "Overnight Ruby a chocolate cocker spaniel has been taken from her home in Shaftesbury.

"Over the same period, other local farms have been visited by suspects and outbuildings entered but it appears nothing stolen."

The dog, who is microchipped, was taken from her kennel at the rear of her home address.

PC Nicholas Hunter, of North Dorset Police, said: “The dog’s owners have understandably been upset by this incident and we are determined to carry out all lines of enquiry to try and locate their dog and those responsible for this offence.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area on the night in question or who comes across a dog matching the description given to please contact us immediately."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200061287. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.