Two of five beloved dogs stolen from a family farm have been found safe and well thanks to an appeal in the Telegraph & Argus.
Three Jack Russells - one of them due to have a litter of pups today and two miniature Schnauzer, all bitches, were taken from Upper Bradshaw Farm, Denholme, after raiders smashed down three doors to get into their purpose-built kennel block.
Kennel Club assured breeder Gemma Clay and her family were horrified by the night-time thefts - especially as one dog, Bella is on the brink of giving birth.
But last night, she got a call to say two of the dogs had been found safe and well on the streets of Queensbury.
"It was brilliant news, we got a call from a man to say he'd seen the story in the Telegraph & Argus and had recognised the grey miniature schnauzer Matilda and also the little Jack Russell, Tiny in Fleet Lane, Queensbury.
"They are friendly so he was able to catch them and when my husband brought them home they went crackers at being back with mummy and daddy," Mrs Clay said.
"Matilda was very dirty so I gave her a bath and a cut, but they were both in fairly good condition.
"We're amazed to have got them back and hope the publicity has made them too hot to handle.
"But we're still really worried about Bella, who is due to have her babies today.
"My daughter Isabel is particularly close to her and Ruby the other terrier, so we're desperate for them to be found safe and well to," said Mrs Clay who lives at her mother-in-law's farm on Long Causeway with husband Walter and their other daughter Robyn, aged one.
Mrs Clay is registered as a dog breeder and groomer with Bradford Council and said the animals were valuable more because of their good natures than expensive pedigrees.
"I breed them and micro-chip them and I don't really have to advertise, people come to us because our dogs are all so sweet natured and gentle," she said.
Mrs Clay appealed for anyone with information to get in touch at the farm or call the police.
"We're just so worried about Bella, although she's had pups before we want her home where we know she's safe.
"It makes me feel physically sick."
The still missing Jack Russells are Bella, tan and white, aged four, Ruby, rough-coated, black and white miniature schnauzer Sugar, white, aged four.
Sergeant James Firth, of Shipley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We would urge anyone with information about this offence or the whereabouts of any of the stolen dogs to call Shipley Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101."
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