ARRESTS MADE AFTER STOLEN DOGS FOUND

POLICE have recovered a large number of suspected stolen dogs at two locations.

Dyfed-powys Police and South Wales Police attended two areas where dogs and puppies believed to be worth tens of thousands of pounds were found.

Six dogs were recovered from an area of Briton Ferry, Neath, while on Sunday, January 24, Dyfed-powys Police attended an address in Carmarthenshire where officers found a large number of dogs and puppies – between 70 and 80 – at some outbuildings.

The value of the latter find was said to be around £40,000.

Officers from South Wales Police discovered more suspected stolen dogs during a search in an area of Briton Ferry last Wednesday.

Police have since reunited 28 suspected stolen dogs with their owners.

The remaining dogs are being cared for by professional kennels as investigations continue.

All the dogs were scanned for microchips, with help from animal welfare officers, the local authority and South Wales Police.

Detective Inspector Barry Kelly of Dyfedpowys Police said: “Our inquiries are ongoing to establish lawful ownership of the remaining dogs and puppies, but we have so far returned 28 dogs to their owners, which is very positive.

“We had been alerted to this property by a dog owner who reported the theft of five bitches and 17 puppies on Friday, January 22.

“On attendance, officers found a number of dogs, some of which have been identified through microchips.

“We estimate there to have been 70 to 80 dogs at the property, with the total value reaching tens of thousands of pounds.”

DI Kelly added: “A number of dogs stolen in just one incident reported to us were estimated to be worth around £40,000, which goes to show these are incredibly high-value thefts.”

“Once a full inventory of the recovered animals has been prepared, we will review any relevant crime records and queries from the public with a view to repatriation.

“The remaining dogs are all currently safe and being cared for by professional kennels while we carry out our investigation.”

Dyfed-powys Police have made two arrests in connection with the investigation.

One person was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods on Sunday, January 24, while the second was arrested on suspicion of burglary on Thursday, January 28.

Both of them have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Another man was arrested by South Wales Police on suspicion of handling stolen goods on Wednesday, January 27. He has also been released under investigation.

DI Kelly added: “We have been following strong lines of inquiry with a view to identifying further suspects.

“Given the scale of the operation, we believed more than one individual was involved.

“This led to further arrests taking place this week.”

Superintendent Cath Larkman, of South Wales Police, said: “It needs to be borne in mind that these dogs are not merely items of financial value, they are living creatures who feel pain and suffering and loss at being stolen and they are much loved family members in many instances.

“We are pleased these dogs are back with their owners.

“As a police service, we take this criminality very seriously.

“We are grateful for the assistance of the public for their support with this investigation.”

■ Anyone with information that could help the investigation is urged to contact police on 101.