Six newborn puppies have been reunited with their mum after they were stolen from a flat by thieves who slashed her face.
Yesterday morning (20 July), two men armed with machetes gained entry to a flat in Harpurhey, Manchester, after they followed a man inside and attacked him.
As they began searching the property looking for valuables, they came across a litter of the five-week-old puppies and their mum, Zena.
Advert
According to a police report the men started bundling the pups into carrier bags which was when Zena tried to bravely defend them and was struck on the head with a machete.
After the offenders fled the scene, Greater Manchester Police were informed and immediately put out an appeal to find them.
Detective Constable Nick Kershaw, of GMP's City of Manchester Division, said: "We are urgently appealing for information which will help us locate the puppies which were stolen this morning.
Advert
"The dogs are only five-weeks-old and without their mother, they likely won't survive very long so it is important that anybody with information that can assist, please contacts police as a matter of urgency.
"This was an incredibly callous robbery, where the offenders showed absolutely no regard for the safety of anyone, human or animal, who was present at the time. They only had one thing on their mind, which was to take whatever they could.
"Please help us return these puppies and reunite them with their very sad mother, Zena, who has been left devastated."
The puppies have now been found after police attended a property in Moston, Manchester, and recovered them all.
Advert
A 40-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and remains in custody for questioning.
The staff cross puppies, who are all safe and well, have now been reunited with their mother, Zena, who is over the moon that they have returned.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing and detectives are keen to speak to anyone with information that can assist.
Detective Constable Kershaw added: "This has been a fast-paced investigation and I am pleased to be able to say that last night, we attended at an address in Moston and recovered all six puppies.
Advert
"The puppies are all safe and well, and have been reunited with their mother, Zena, who was absolutely delighted to see them.
"It has been a huge effort from the team to reunite the puppies with their mother before the worst happened, however our investigation is not finished there and we are keen to speak with anyone who can help us."
Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 3985, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Topics: Dog, UK News, News, UK, Animals