SIX extremely rare Lakeland Terrier puppies have been snatched from a home in Padiham, police said.

The eight-week-old pups were removed from their outdoor pen between 9am and 11am on Tuesday.

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Mike Vickers, who bred the dogs with his wife Joanne, said he had placed the pups in their six-foot high outdoor play pen to get some fresh air.

The 52-year-old, who has bred dogs for more than 40 years had left the animals securely in the pen for a few moments when thieves struck and stole the whole litter.

Mr Vickers said: “I saw the door on the pen was open and knew something was wrong. I never ever leave it unlocked.

“The thieves must have got over the yard gate, which was locked, and then into the pen, in broad daylight.

“My wife and I were devastated when we realised they were gone.

“We had hoped to use a couple of the pups as show dogs when they grew up.

“We are really worried about them, they’re old enough to survive without their mother but they could be kept in really poor conditions that could be damaging to their health.

“If we could get the puppies back unharmed, we wouldn’t want to press charges, it’s just about getting them back.”

The puppies are not microchipped as they were going to be chipped this weekend.

According to the Kennel Club Breed Registration, only 173 Lakeland Terrier puppies were registered last year, a decline from 277 registered in 2006. The RSPCA estimate their are 8.5 million dogs in the UK.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “Dog theft is devastating for the families involved and while it is not particularly common, there are sadly people who steal dogs because they perceive them to be of value.”

PC Nigel Keates, investigating urged anyone with information to call 101.