Police appeal after spate of dog thefts

Police are appealing to the public for information following several reports of theft of dogs from North and South Molton.

The first incident happened at the kennels on The Square in North Molton on Friday 15 December between 9am and 5pm.

Three dogs were all pedigree cocker spaniels. The first dog was a small female seven-year-old black Devonshire Faith spaniel, the second dog was an 18-month-old black Hillside Harriet female with a white bib, and the third dog was a gold Badgeberry Troufseau Hope spaniel. It is believed that a person or persons unknown entered the kennels and took the dogs. CR/108644/17.

The second incident occurred at a residential property in Oakford Close in North Molton on Friday 15 December between 7pm and 9pm. A cocker spaniel called Ivy was taken from the rear garden from her kennel. Ivy was located deceased at Bommertown Cross at approximately 8am the following morning. CR/108728/17.

The third incident occurred on Sunday 17 December around 10am from the Rose Ash area in South Molton. A female chocolate brown cocker spaniel and a female black and white spaniel were reported missing. CR/109830/17.

Investigating Officer PC Steve Theobald said: “We are very concerned about the welfare of these dogs and urge the public to come forward with information.

“The owners are all aware of the incidents and are understandably shocked and upset by this.

“Enquiries are ongoing to locate the suspect/s and we are currently looking through CCTV.

“We would urge anyone who knows anything to get in touch with police immediately. We are also advising dog owners to be vigilant, especially those with Cocker spaniel breeds, and to make sure their dogs are safe and secure and to report any suspicious activity to police.

“You can contact the police by emailing 101@dc.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting CR/108644/17.”

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via the charity’s website at www.crimestoppers-org.uk