£1,000 reward for return of stolen Shropshire puppies

A £1,000 reward was this afternoon offered after thieves stole two litters of spaniel puppies from kennels in south Shropshire – just days before they were due to be sent to their new homes.

The nine puppies, believed to be worth almost £8,000, were taken from the kennel block at Poolgreen Gundogs at Farlow, near Cleobury Mortimer, on Thursday afternoon.

The thieves forced a lock on the kennel block before taking the eight-week-old puppies.

Police are investigating the incident and appeals have been launched for information by kennels owner Will Clulee on the business's website and by members of the national Lakeland Gundog Club.

Mr Clulee is offering the reward for the arrest of the offenders and the return of the puppies.

Four black-and-tan faced and one black-faced cocker spaniel – worth a total of £6,000 were taken together with four springer spaniel pups valued at £1,800.

Contact Ludlow police on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.