More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
One of two dogs stolen from a back garden has been returned home safely after she was discovered in a nearby town.
The cocker spaniels were taken from the village of Badlesmere, near Faversham, between midnight on April 23 and about 1.15am the following day.
To their owners' joy, one of the dogs, 13-year-old Lucy, has now been found and is back home where she belongs.
But the whereabouts of the other - 11-year-old Milly - is still unknown.
CCTV footage at the family's house in Fisher Street Road had captured two men breaking into the dogs' kennel on April 23. It also showed a car parking outside the house before making off.
As police investigated the burglary and circulated photos of the dogs, their owners appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
To their delight, a woman took to Facebook on Thursday reporting to have found a cocker spaniel wandering in Maidstone's Mote Park.
Eagle-eyed social media users were quick to spot the dog's similarity to Lucy, and her owner, Shayne, promptly arranged to collect her.
Shayne, who did not wish to give his surname, said: "Lucy is fortunately back with us.
"She's great - she's absolutely fine She's glad to be back. The children are over the moon.
"But they're still really upset that Milly is still lost and presumably could be being mistreated and kept for breeding," he added.
This is the second time Milly, aged 11, has been stolen. She was taken from the same back garden as a puppy a decade ago, but was soon returned to her owners on that occasion after being put up for sale in Hastings.
Shayne and his family are anxious for Milly to be returned home again and urge anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact the police.
"It's important she's returned safely so she can get the life and the treatment she needs."
"We hope that there might be some more eagle-eyed people who can keep a look out for her, particularly the Maidstone area, as that must be where she is or was," he said.
"We're worried about her because of her old age, and potential health problems.
"It's important she's returned safely so she can get the life and the treatment she needs."
Police are investigating and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
To help, call police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/68566/21.
You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on its website.
