A FAMILY are appealing for help after two of their pet dogs were taken.

Lee Fletcher said seven-month-old cocker spaniel Bramble and six-year-old Patterdale terrier Tiny had been stolen to order.

Thieves smashed the lock to their kennels near Woodhouses, Bishop Auckland, some time yesterday morning.

The dogs belonged to Mr Fletcher’s children, Harry, who is 14, and Nikita, two, who were very upset yesterday.

Mr Fletcher is offering a “substantial reward” for information which could lead them to Bramble and Tiny.

“There has been a spate of dog thefts recently – there must be a market for them,”

said Mr Fletcher, who believes the cocker spaniel is worth about £500.

Two French bulldog bitches, Sugar and Madaam, went missing from Ramshaw, near Bishop Auckland, on January 4.

“I said last night we will have to get them moved – they’re too valuable to be up there,” he said. “They’re worth more to us as pets.

They’re like members of the family.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0345-60-60-365, or Crimestoppers, on 0800-555-111.