Five of seven stolen puppies have now been recovered by police.

Officers were alerted to a rural burglary in the Shroton area of North Dorset between 10.50pm and 11.10pm on December 28, 2024.

It was reported that seven lurcher puppies were stolen from inside a property.

Following extensive enquiries and two public appeals, two more puppies have now been located after they were handed in to a veterinary practice in Fordingbridge.

Five our of the seven puppies have now been found. 

A 28-year-old man from East Dorset and a 22-year-old woman from Wimborne were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Both have been released on bail as the investigation continues.

Following further investigations, a man aged in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and he has also been released on police bail.

Police constable Kate Schofield, of Dorset Police’s rural crime team, said: “We are delighted to inform the public that another two puppies have been located and the family are elated to hear this welcome news.

“However, there are still two puppies out of the litter of seven that we urgently need to find and bring home.

“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 or being offered for sale in suspicious circumstances, and we ask the public to remain vigilant and get in contact with any possible information.

“This investigation is very much live as we continue to pursue every available line of enquiry available to us – including liaising with neighbouring forces – to both find the final two missing puppies and establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240197969.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.