Puppies too young to leave mother are stolen

On Friday night at 10pm police found two of the pedigree puppies at a caravan site in Bowling Back Lane, Bradford. A 25-year-old woman was interviewed under caution.

The pair have since been reunited with their mother and police said inquiries were continuing to trace the six remaining pups.

The puppies were taken between 2.15pm and 4.15pm last Wednesday from an address in Ilkley and police are now following several lines of inquiry.

All the puppies are too young to eat solid foods and police said they would be at risk if they did not receive proper care.

Jayne Douglas, the owner of the puppies, said she just wanted them returned home as soon as possible and appealed for anyone with any information to contact police.

"They still need specialist care and are too young to eat solids so there is a real risk they will not survive. They are only two weeks old and are only just at the stage where they are opening their eyes.

"I just can't believe someone would have taken them as they were clearly too young to be moved or taken away from home."

Insp Sue Sanderson, of the Wharfedale and Craven Neighbourhood Police Team, said: "We are now investigating this theft and pursuing lines of inquiry.

"These puppies are only very young and will obviously look too young for sale to anyone who is offered one.

"I would ask anyone in the community who is offered a very young looking cocker spaniel puppy for sale without any paperwork or identification to contact us immediately."

Anyone who has information about the theft of the puppies, may have been offered one or has information about their whereabouts should contact the Wharfedale and Craven Neighbourhood Policing Team on 01274 475301.