Three of seven lurcher puppies stolen just days after Christmas have been found but the search continues for four more, police said.
The five-week-old dogs were reported stolen from Shroton in Dorset after people gained entry to a building between 10.50pm and 11.10pm on Saturday.
Police said on Tuesday three of the puppies have been found after extensive searches but the hunt continues for the dogs which remain missing.
Police have arrested a 28-year-old man from East Dorset and a 22-year-old woman from Wimborne on suspicion of burglary. They have been released on bail and inquiries are ongoing, the force said.
On Monday, officers shared a photograph of the puppies which are still reliant on their mother to feed and survive.
Pc Sebastian Haggett, of Dorset Police’s rural crime team, said: “Whilst the family is overjoyed to have three of the puppies home, we are desperately trying to locate the other four.
“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 and we ask the public to remain vigilant and get in contact with any possible information.
“We will relentlessly pursue this matter and this investigation demonstrates the best of multiple policing teams working together to tackle suspected rural crime. We thank the public for sharing our appeal and helping it get widespread attention. Let’s get these missing puppies home.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240197969.
