Home   Ashford   News   Article

Joy as 11 pedigree golden retriever puppies found safe after being stolen from house in Westwell near Ashford

An overjoyed family are celebrating after their 11 stolen pedigree puppies were found safe this afternoon.

Mark and Julie Kennedy launched a large-scale search for the golden retrievers when they were taken from their home in Westwell near Ashford - even offering a reward of up to £1,000.

Now the much-loved animals have been discovered dumped in a garage two days after they were taken.

Delighted Jasmin Spinks with one of the rescued puppies
Delighted Jasmin Spinks with one of the rescued puppies

The couple's daughter Jasmin Spinks said on Facebook: "We got them back! I would just like to say a huge thank you to everybody that shared the post, watched the news told people to share and the radio!

"Because of all of your support we got our puppies back and we are over the moon! Just off to the vets to get the fluff balls checked out!

"I'm so happy and grateful for everybody's efforts! So happy!"

The stolen golden retriever puppies have been found safe
The stolen golden retriever puppies have been found safe

The Dog Lost website said a member of the public alerted police to 11 puppies dumped in a garage.

It said: "They attended and owner has just confirmed they are the ones. Great team work making them well known to hot to handle."

The family had been frantically searching dog-selling websites and calling local vets to ask them to be on the lookout since the raid.

Mr Kennedy even offered up to £1,000 for information that led to finding the puppies.

The stolen puppies were found dumped in a garage
The stolen puppies were found dumped in a garage

He had earlier said: "The seven-week-old puppies hadn't been vaccinated yet. We are concerned they could pick up diseases if they are placed with other dogs."

He said the stolen female dogs are worth up to £800 each, while the males are worth £750.

Mr Kennedy added: "The dogs are all pedigree. With their papers they are worth up to £800 each. Without their papers, I guess they could be sold for around £500."

As well as taking the puppies - five females and six males - thieves are believed to have taken several power tools, a generator, a sit-on lawn mower, as well as smashing up a wood burner.

Scroll down for video

Mrs Kennedy's daughter, Jasmin Spinks, with two of the stolen puppies
Mrs Kennedy's daughter, Jasmin Spinks, with two of the stolen puppies

Mr Kennedy said: "There are visible signs of a break-in. They managed to get into the main house.

"The puppies are quite distinctive looking. They are white all over; they look like little polar bears. Some are only seven weeks old and they need their mum still."

The stolen puppies are from two separate litters born two weeks apart to the Kennedys' two pet dogs, Georgina and Ellie.

Two of the puppies, who are around nine weeks old, had already been micro-chipped while the other nine, who are seven weeks old, were still waiting to be chipped.

The puppies were staying in a heated room off a garage on the property, in Watery Lane, with their mothers when they were stolen.

Video: The golden retriever puppies before they were stolen

Mr Kennedy believes the theft was premeditated as a section of their fence had been cut a few weeks ago.

He said: "Someone could have had a look around the house back then, checking it out, and then come back Monday night for the theft.

"We think they knew our movements. We reckon they came as soon as Julie left on Monday evening. The dogs hadn't even finished all their dinner.

"The thieves also took a bag of adult dog food, which will be no good for the puppies."

Eleven golden retriever puppies were stolen from a Westwell house last night
Eleven golden retriever puppies were stolen from a Westwell house last night

The Kennedys, along with their children, have been staying at a rented house in Charing during the last few months since their house was deemed unlivable following a major fire last April.

At first they were living in a caravan on site, but moved to the house when the weather turned cold.

Mr Kennedy added: "We are here all day. We also come back in the evenings to feed the dogs. My wife is here every day and I am here three days a week. We reckon someone must have been watching us."

Some of the puppies stolen in a burglary in Westwell
Some of the puppies stolen in a burglary in Westwell

The burglary is believed to have taken place between 8pm on Monday and 8am on Tuesday.

Anyone with information on the raid is asked to phone police on 101 or Mark Kennedy on 07855 250606.


Stories you might have missed

Jurors shown park where homeless man brutally attacked

Thug finally behind bars... eight years after soldier brawl

Man cleared of theft after taking own car

Church takes on payday lenders with credit union


Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More