Brian Berry, of Balfour Street, Houghton, discovered his Jack Russell and her eight puppies, who were 10 days old yesterday, had been stolen from their kennel.

When he went to feed them on Monday morning he found the lock to the kennel had been forced open and the dogs were gone.

Now Mr Berry and his wife Pauline, 57, daughter Laura, 19, who lives with him, and grandchildren, aged seven to 14, are urging whoever took them to bring them back.

Mr Berry, 62, said: "I was shocked when I saw what had a happened; absolutely devastated to think they've been taken – the whole family is.

"My grandkids, daughter and wife all used to help look after them and they're missed sadly by the kids on the estate who would regularly come and see them and play with them."

Mr Berry bought two sisters three-and-a-half-years ago after he was forced to retire from his job as a motor mechanic due to ill health.

He decided to start breeding them as a hobby and this was the first litter.

"The sister dog won't stop pining," Mr Berry said. "They've never been apart before and she's very distressed. She's not eating properly and is missing her terribly."

A police spokesman said: "We are following several lines of inquiry in relation to this theft.

"Our concerns lie not only with finding the person responsible, but also with the welfare of these puppies and their mother.

"Anyone with information about this theft or anyone who may have been offered a Jack Russell puppy should contact us with information."

Mr Berry is offering a reward. Anyone with information should contact police on 03456 043043 or the Echo on 501 7147.