THE owner of a litter of puppies stolen from a Bournemouth home has issued an emotional plea for their safe return.
An investigation was launched after nine young American Bulldog puppies were stolen in an early hours burglary.
At approximately 4.20am on Tuesday, May 24, entry was gained to a property in the Charminster Road area and the puppies were stolen from inside the home.
Samantha Kittle, who owns six of the puppies, had left them and their mother in the care of a breeder. She said: “The mum and her pups were at the breeder’s house, a friend of ours, along with his dogs.
“His pups have gone missing too. It was three of his and six of ours.”
A resident of the property reported hearing male voices, but by the time they got downstairs the offenders had left the address.
Read more: Nine American Bulldog puppies stolen from Bournemouth home
Samantha added: “I just feel so sorry and like I’ve let her (the mother of the puppies) down.
“We wanted her there because that was the best care for her, and my friend knows what he’s doing.
“People have been asking - have we let people in? Have people been viewing them? No, it hasn’t been like that all.”
Dorset Police are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
Police Sergeant Sarah Hodgson, of Dorset Police, said: “An investigation is underway to identify the offenders and locate the stolen puppies.
“I am appealing to anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in Charminster Road in the early hours of Tuesday 24 May to please get in touch.
“I would urge anyone who may have seen the puppies for sale locally in unusual circumstances, or has any information about their whereabouts, to urgently contact Dorset Police. I am also issuing an image of the puppies in the hope someone may recognise them.
“Finally, I am keen to hear from any residents or motorists who may have captured any CCTV or dashcam footage around the relevant timeframe that may help our enquiries.”
Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk/contact, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220082249.
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