A pet owner has begged for the safe return of his four dogs one week after they were stolen by callous thieves.

The owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, says his whole family is struggling to come to terms with the loss of their four cocker spaniels after they were taken from a kennel outside their home in a village on the outskirts of Bridport.

The experience has left the family so shaken they did not want the name of their village published.

He said: “We did not think this would ever happen to us. We thought they would be safe in a locked kennel. How do you keep anything safe?

“We don’t understand how people can be this evil. Dogs become like your kids and the people who do this don’t realise the effect it has. They think of it as a quick bit of cash, perhaps, but we can’t eat or sleep. We’re anxious and shaken up. We feel violated. Our children are very quiet and have gone into themselves.”

Five dogs belonging to the family, all of which are microchipped, were stolen some time overnight on Saturday, January 6, as reported in last week’s Bridport News.

Three days later, one of the dogs was found at address in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset Police have confirmed.

“I went to the kennel at about 10am on the Sunday morning,” the owner said. “The gates were padlocked but they’d been cut. I was shocked.

“We have since got one dog back. She has gone very, very quiet and has cuts on her. Her tail has also been cut.

“Our emotions are all over the place; I can’t stop thinking about what the hell is going on? What’s happening to them? Are they being abused?

“We’ve driven miles and miles looking as it’s so hard not knowing. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”

The owner has issued a warning to others.

“Be careful,” he said. “Don’t put anything on social media. People can find out anything about you. An innocent video of you throwing a ball to your dog is a security risk as people can find out what you own, where you go – anything.”

The family is offering a £1,000 reward for each dog that is returned to them safely.

“We just want them back,” said the owner. “We need answers. They have unusual patterns for cocker spaniels and are quite unique so please contact police if you see anything.”

A spokesman for Dorset Police said that enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage.