A DOG owner has appealed for the safe return of his pets grabbed from their kennel by thieves.

Police are investigating the theft of springer spaniels 14-year-old Sally and Emma, eight, from Preston-under-Scar, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire.

The white and brown bitches were taken from their kennel at Preston Moor Farm sometime between 5pm on Wednesday, March 13 and 2pm on Thursday, March 14.

They belonged to semi-retired farmer David Amsden, 68, who said: “They were gun dogs but they were more than just that – they were pets. Wherever I went they would come too.

PC Alan Busby, from Leyburn Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “I am appealing to anyone who has any information about this theft to come forward with information.

“I would also like to hear from you if you have been offered the dogs for sale over the past week.”

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 - select option two - and ask for Alan Busby or Leyburn police or call Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.

Use reference number 12130041523 when passing information about this incident.