by Hayley Robinson

A widower is appealing to thieves to return his beloved springer spaniel.

Three-year-old Millie was staying in kennels at Culnells Farm, Iwade, when she was snatched with six other dogs.

Kennel boss Martin Wakely discovered the break-in last Thursday morning and phoned Millie’s owner Peter Collins.

The 68-year-old Hertfordshire resident said: "I lost my wife Hazel to cancer in July last year. We used to have dogs.

"When she died she left me a note saying I should get another dog so that’s what I did. I bought Millie as I needed company.

"It’s broken my heart. She was a real friend, I want her back desperately. I’m at a loss, I don’t know what to do."

Mr Wakely, 62, is also coming to terms with the theft of his eight-year-old black labrador Mac.

He said: "I’ve had him from a puppy. I’m devastated. Breaking the news to Peter was very difficult."

It is the third time in as many years the kennels has been targeted. Thirteen dogs, including eight newborn puppies, were taken in September 2008.

Nine cocker spaniels were stolen the following year.

It was after the second break-in Mr Wakely had an expensive alarm system fitted which is linked to his mobile.

He believes the raiders may have been testing the system as the alarm went off the week before the theft but there was no sign of a break-in.

The remaining dogs have now been removed.

Mr Wakely added: "I don’t know what we’re going to do with them at the moment."

The dogs taken were: a black, male labrador, about eight-years-old; a female liver and white English springer spaniel two-years-old; a black and white male English springer spaniel, two-years-old; a female golden cocker spaniel two-years-old; a female tri-colour cocker spaniel, two-years-old, who recently weaned pups; a two-year-old female blue roan cocker spaniel and a female chocolate roan cocker spaniel, two-years-old.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 01622 690690, quoting crime reference number CY/17212/11 Alternatively call Dog Lost in confidence on 0844 800 3220 or visit www.doglost.co.uk