Three lurcher puppies stolen in Dorset found – but four still missing

Three of the seven lurcher puppies stolen from a family just days after Christmas have been found.

Police said the family, from Shroton in Dorset, were left “devastated” after the five-week-old dogs were taken between 10.50pm and 11.10pm on Saturday.

They were “overjoyed” after three of the puppies were found and returned home after extensive searches but the hunt continues for the others, officers said.

A 28-year-old man from east Dorset and a 22-year-old woman from Wimborne have been arrested on suspicion of burglary in connection with the incident.

They have been released on bail and inquiries are ongoing.

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Police previously shared a photograph of the puppies which are still reliant on their mother to feed and survive.

PC Sebastian Haggett, of Dorset Police’s rural crime team, said: “While the family is overjoyed to have three of the puppies home, we are desperately trying to locate the other four.

“Should you become aware of their location we would urge you to get in contact.

“Due to the large public attention on this matter, it may be that these puppies are discarded and we ask the public to remain vigilant and get in contact with any possible information.

“We will relentlessly pursue this matter and this investigation demonstrates the best of multiple policing teams working together to tackle suspected rural crime.

“We thank the public for sharing our appeal and helping it get widespread attention. Let’s get these missing puppies home.”