Emergency

Moment Sussex Woman Is Reunited With Cassie The Spaniel After Being Stolen In 2013

This is the moment a crying dog owner is reunited with her pet pooch after it was stolen from her home in 2013 – and returns with three adorable puppies.

Sussex Police said in a statement on 6th January that the female dog, named Cassie, was stolen from the family home eight years ago.

The Cocker Spaniel was playing in the front garden when someone stole her back in 2013.

The police shared footage of the moving moment Cassie is reunited with her owner, name not reported.

The police said: “Officers from the Sussex Police Rural Crime Team captured the moment Cassie and her owners were reunited.

“They conducted a number of raids in November looking for a stolen dog along with the RSPCA and Trading Standards following a tip off from a member of the public.

“Cassie was safely located along with some puppies who are thought to be hers.

A family spokesperson said: “We are so thankful to have our Cassie back home, after eight years since being separated from her. Cassie has settled in very well and is enjoying her daily dog walks.

“As for the three puppies, they have all gone to good homes and are loving their new set family life.

“It’s a priceless Christmas present to us as a family and we want this to bring hope to others who have had their dog lost or stolen. Finally, we would like to thank the police and everyone involved in helping us retain Cassie and her puppies back to us.”

Oliver Fisher, Rural Crime Team Inspector for Sussex Police, said: “As is often the case, it was useful information from the public that assisted us and we are grateful to them as ever for coming forward.

“Dogs can go missing on occasion, but it is extremely rare for dogs to be stolen. I would like to reassure the many thousands of dog owners in the county that with simple precautions, you need not fear this crime.

“I would encourage all dog owners to microchip their dogs, keep an up to date photo of the dog, and in the event that it goes missing, inform the microchip company and supply the police with a photo.

“We recognise the impact a stolen pet can have on a family which is why part of the team’s remit is to investigate stolen dogs. In recent months we have recovered stolen dogs, and also assisted the RSPCA in seizing puppies being kept in appalling conditions in puppy farms.

“The inflated prices of puppies (due to the pandemic) have resulted in unscrupulous individuals breeding dogs purely for profit. I would urge anyone considering buying a puppy to think carefully about who they buy from.

“Insist on seeing the home where the puppies and mother are kept. Does the mother look healthy? Are the conditions acceptable?

“Prospective buyers who turn a blind eye to irresponsible breeders not only perpetuate the suffering of animals but risk buying a puppy with significant health issues, which can be costly to treat and sometimes fatal.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We assisted police officers as they executed warrants following information related to a stolen dog and were pleased to recover Cassie – and three puppies – and return her to her owners who were absolutely thrilled to have her home after so many years.

“The demand for pets has surged in recent years, particularly during lockdown and, as such, it appears that pet theft has become rife.

“If you believe your pet may have been stolen please alert the police as soon as possible.”

It is unclear if the police caught the person who stole Cassie from the family home.

Don’t miss Our New Story!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.