THIEVES have stolen five beloved dogs from a family farm leaving a seven-year-old girl distraught as one missing terrier is due to have puppies on Monday.

Three Jack Russells and two miniature Schnauzer, all bitches, were taken from Upper Bradshaw Farm, Denholme, after raiders smashed down three doors to get into their purpose-built kennel block.

Kennel Club assured breeder Gemma Clay told how she and her daughter Isabel were horrified by the night-time thefts - especially as one dog, Bella is on the brink of giving birth.

"My little girl is devastated," said Mrs Clay who lives at her mother-in-law's farm on Long Causeway with husband Walter and their other daughter Robyn, aged one.

"I had to tell her when I picked her up from Denholme primary on Thursday and she's so upset. We all are.

"Whoever did this was really determined. The dogs were in a newly-built block house where they stay when not in our home."

Mrs Clay said her husband discovered three doors in the kennel block had been forced open all the bitches had been taken, but the thieves had left the stud dog Stanley.

Mrs Clay is registered as a dog breeder and groomer with Bradford Council and said the animals were valuable more because of their good natures than expensive pedigrees.

"I breed them and micro-chip them and I don't really have to advertise, people come to us because our dogs are all so sweet natured and gentle," she said.

"That's one reason it was was possible to just take them without too much trouble.

"They would be friendly to anyone who came to see them."

Good Jack Russell pups fetch about £350 while miniature Schnauzer pups can be £800.

Mrs Clay appealed for anyone with information to get in touch at the farm or call the police.

"We're just so worried about Bella, although she's had pups before we want her home where we know she's safe.

"It makes me feel physically sick."

The missing Jack Russells are Bella, tan and white, aged four, Ruby, rough-coated, black and white aged three, Tiny, a small tan and white aged two. The schnauzers are Matilda, grey, aged four and Sugar, white, aged four.

"Matilda has only just given birth and has a bit of alopecia on her back, so we're also very worried about her," Mrs Clay said.

The theft was discovered early on Thursday.

Sergeant James Firth, of Shipley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We would urge anyone with information about this offence or the whereabouts of any of the stolen dogs to call Shipley Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101."