A farming family is the latest victim of a possible spate of gundog thefts.

Six-month old springer spaniel puppy Ziggy was snatched from the garden of Mark and Suzanne Boyd’s home in Hollingbourne.

Their three-year old son James is distraught at the disappearance of a much loved pet.

Mr Boyd said he feared the theft was part of a campaign by organised criminals to sell gundogs to unsuspecting buyers outside the county. He says they can fetch up to £400.

“There have been quite a lot stolen from around here recently,” he said.“They are just concentrating on working gundogs - labradors and springer spaniels,” Mr Boyd added.

The Boyds have paid for advertisements in the local and national press appealing for news about Ziggy, who has been microchipped.

A spokeswoman for Kent Police said there was no evidence of an increasing problem with gun dog thefts.

But she added: “If you own a dog, please make sure you keep it within sight and secure at all times.”

Anyone with information should ring 07767 666284 or 07803 606032.