Police are urging the public to keep an eye out for two English Staffordshire puppies that were stolen from a Craigieburn house.
Detective Senior Constable Matthew Wilson-Hall said the dogs’ owners were at work when two people broke into their garage and took the puppies, a “blue” four-month-old male called Bronx and a black six-month-old female called Brooklyn, as well as some pet bedding.
Brooklyn has a small white patch on her chest.
He said no markings had been left on their Amstel Street house, despite community fears that dog fighting rings target houses with suitable dogs for the illegal sport with tape or spray paint.
While the theory hasn’t been ruled out, Detective Senior Constable Wilson-Hall said they believe the dogs may have been stolen to have as companion pets.
“They’re too young to fight and they also stole bedding,” he said.
Pure-bred English Staffordshire puppies can cost as much as $1000 from a Victorian breeder.
No one has come forward with any information at this stage.
“There’s nothing new, which is troubling for us.”
“We’re hoping to see the dogs returned alive,” the Broadmeadows-based detective said.
The dogs’ breeder, Tracy James, who is friends with their owners, said the couple don’t have children and these puppies were like family.
“It’s no different to taking someone’s child,” she said.
The Rockbank breeder said she lived in fear that her own dogs would be stolen for fighting.
“We don’t leave our property, we live in constant fear.”
“We’re horrified to think about those puppies’ wellbeing.”
Acting Sergeant Adam West said the offenders broke into the garage overnight on Wednesday September 9 and left with the puppies but nothing else.
Detectives were told that a man and a woman in a light coloured hatchback were seen near Amstel Street just before the burglary.
Anyone with any information is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The puppies’ owners did not want to be named or speak to the media.
