A stolen dog reunited with its owners had its microchip surgically removed, it has emerged.

Seven-year-old cocker spaniel Islay disappeared from her kennel behind the home in Maidstone Road, Staplehurst, on January 19.

She was found shaven and with her microchip gone when officers executed a warrant in Water Lane, Bearsted.

Owner Tina Denning said she was over the moon to have her purloined pet returned, but the experience has left the family worried about the vulnerability of their four dogs.

“It was two weeks since she was taken and as time was going on I was losing hope,” the 55-year-old said.

“Getting the phone call was incredible. I didn’t realise so many dogs go missing and obviously there is a lot on social media about it. It is amazing how supportive people are.”

Mrs Denning said her dog’s fluffy coat has been shorn and there is now a scar where her microchip used to be.

Islay is a bit subdued from her ordeal but otherwise fit and healthy.

The part-time carer added: “There have been a lot of dog thefts locally so it is a bit scary. I am told chocolate spaniels are very sought after at the moment.

“There have been a lot of dog thefts locally so it is a bit scary... I am told chocolate spaniels are very sought after at the moment" - dog owner Tina Denning

“It is just good to have Islay back and fortunately she doesn’t seem any worse for wear.”

Demand for the breed has risen in recent years since the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge bought a black cocker spaniel called Lupo.

Many respectable breeders often don’t wish to meet the new demand which can lead to people trying to acquire them illegally.

A police spokesman said: “No arrests have been made in connection to Islay’s disappearance, however, officers are conducting ongoing inquiries.”

The theft of Islay on January 19 comes after two springer spaniels were reunited with their owners after they were stolen from Birling last month, and another spaniel was dumped in Snodland Road in the same village

In Collier Street, cocker spaniel Fifi was taken from an oasthouse garden on January 22.