A FAMILY whose pedigree dogs were snatched during thier daily walk has warned other pet owners to guard against cruel thieves.

Black Labrador Bella and her golden pup Maggie disappeared without a trace last Tuesday while they were being walked in Bedgebury forest in Goudhurst.

Thanks to a major publicity campaign, the dogs were spotted being dumped by unknown assailants a week later and returned home safely, but owner Sarah Poole said people still need be aware of the threat of dog thieves.

Mrs Poole, from Sandhurst, near Crankbrook, said: “I do think someone took our dogs.

“I have no idea why they did it, but I am absolutely confident that our pets are home now because of the huge efforts everyone made to get them back.“People should know there are risks.”

The two dogs disappeared while being walked off the lead during last week’s storms.

Magistrate Mrs Poole, her husband David and their two children, aged 11 and nine, immediately began searching for the pets, with help from friends and neighbours, and put up posters around the local area appealing for information.

On Tuesday – a week to the day the dogs were taken - Mrs Poole and 14 friends returned to Bedgebury forest to search for them and knocked on every door in the area to alert people about the missing animals.

That afternoon, a veterinary nurse – who had vaccinated Bella’s litter 18months earlier – spotted the dogs being thrown from a van down a quiet country lane.

The animals were emaciated and weak but otherwise unharmed, and they were quickly reunited with their delighted owners.

Mrs Poole, 42, said it was likely whoever took the dogs released them because of the family’s persistent campaign for information.

She added: "I'd to thank all the people who helped us search for the dogs.

“It has been a very traumatic experience for us all, and it is wonderful to have our dogs back.”