THE owner of four dogs stolen from a property near Shaftesbury has asked owners in Dorset to keep searching as a social media call for help was shared tens of thousands of times.

Gamekeeper Reece Ronald and his mother-in-law Maggie Flower have called for the safe return of their dogs, which were taken on Monday, December 23.

They have since put up posters in the area and called for help on social media after the dogs were snatched by thieves who tore a gate off to get to the pets.

Mr Ronald has called the incident “heartbreaking”.

The dogs include two springer spaniels – Holly, who is black and white, and liver and white Bailey.

Long-haired patterdale terrier Norma and five-month-old cocker spaniel puppy Millie were also taken.

The thieves broke into a yard and ripped the kennel gate from its hinges to get to the dogs.

“I’m devastated. I went to the kennels on Tuesday morning and they were gone,” Mr Ronald said.

“It’s just been absolutely awful.

“I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”

Mrs Flower appealed directly to members of the public to keep an eye out for the pets.

“Please help us find these beautiful dogs,” she said.

“Please share the details.”

She said the family is still without news, almost two weeks after the pets were taken.

“The responses we’ve had have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. All we can ask is that you continue to share their pictures and make your voices heard,” she said.

A Facebook plea has been shared more than 33,000 times.

Hundreds of people have come forward with information, including reported sightings in Gumtree’s ‘for sale’ section and links to ‘dog found’ websites.

However, Mr Ronald yesterday confirmed that the dogs remain missing, and with no confirmed sightings.

Police have been informed, and officers are investigating the theft.

For more information, or to support the search, contact Mr Ronald on 07855 302158 or Mrs Flower on 07896 702147.

Anyone who sees the dogs or has information as to their whereabouts is asked to contact police via 101 or 999 in an emergency.