POLICE have released more photos of several suspected stolen dogs in a bid to reunite them with their owners.
Officers seized ten dogs during a search warrant at a location in Surrey on March 16.
An investigation is underway by detectives at Crawley CID, who have been working closely with the force’s specialist Rural Crime Team and other police forces, to help identify the dogs and their lawful owners.
The dogs, a mix of Lurchers and Spaniels, continue to be cared for at a secure location, which is not being disclosed for operational reasons.
They have each been given a name for the purpose of the investigation: Bumble, Joey, Lucy, Millie, Molly, Phoebe and Sparkle.
Police described the investigation as complex and said they suspect some of the dogs may be been stolen months ago.
Two-year-old Cocker Spaniel Willow, who was one of the dogs seized, was successfully reunited with her owners last month, having been stolen during a burglary in Suffolk in July 2020.
Detective Chief Inspector John Wallace, of Crawley CID, said: “We are desperately seeking the lawful owners of the remaining dogs which were seized in the recent warrant.
"We are working through all information meticulously and pursuing other lines of enquiry to progress the identification of these dogs.
"This is a complex investigation and we suspect some of the dogs may have been stolen months ago.
"We appreciate this has been an agonising time for those members of the public with missing pets who have been waiting for further information.
"However we have now released more detailed photos of the dogs in a bid to try and identify them and return them to their rightful owners.
"If you recognise one of these dogs, please email dogtheft@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting the name of the dog you recognise.
"The email address is the fastest way to contact us and we have a dedicated team managing this.
"While we continue to progress enquiries on identification, our priority continues to be around the health and welfare of the dogs and medical treatment is ongoing."
In January, Sussex Police launched a dedicated operation ‘Op Collar’, led by the Rural Crime Team, to respond to and help prevent dog thefts.
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