Search continues after Cockapoo puppy killed and over 20 dogs stolen in Tarleton kennels raid

Two litters of puppies, some just three weeks old, were taken along with a number of adult dogs, including some which were pregnant, from an address in Tarleton.

A Cockapoo puppy, believed to have been run over by the getaway vehicle, was also found dead at the scene.

The thieves are believed to have broken into the kennels overnight to take the dogs, around 22 in total, before making off in a vehicle on Wednesday evening (May 13).

Police have now launched a fresh appeal to find the dogs and are urging anybody with information to get in contact with them.

Sgt Amber Yahchouchi from Ormskirk Police said: “This is a disgraceful offence, undoubtedly motivated by greed. We believe the next few weeks are going to be pivotal for the investigation, as the pups become of saleable age and are advertised and sold on.

“We appeal to the good sense and hearts of anyone who is offered one of these puppies, sees them advertised or knows of their whereabouts.

"There can be no guarantees on the health and welfare of the animals, having potentially been separated from their respective mothers and owners for a number of weeks. We also can’t guarantee they have been cared for or that they will be going to loving homes."

Police are also directly appealing to the perpetrators and are asking them to show "remorse and compassion" and contact police.

The officer continued: "We also appeal directly to those responsible, and ask them to show some remorse and compassion, by contacting us to reunite these much loved dogs with their owners."

Some of the pups are very distinctive, having a merle colouring making them easy to identify, according to police.

Merle is a pattern in which random splotches of dark pigment are overlaid over a lighter shade of the same color.

Officers say they need the public’s help and vigilance, particularly on social media groups, in identifying any leads to help return the puppies.

Anybody with information can contact police by calling 101 or emailing [email protected], quoting incident reference 236 of May 14.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website by clicking HERE.