Stolen dog missing for over a month found dead

Puffin the Springer Spaniel belonged to 21-year-old Tabitha Millard

A stolen dog which had been missing for over a month has been found dead.

Anne-Marie Millard, 57, who runs a kennel in Uggeshall, Suffolk, reported her daughter's Springer Spaniel, called Puffin, missing on 22 September.

She believed the four-year-old pet had been stolen and confirmed on Wednesday Puffin had been found dead.

In a statement on social media, Ms Millard said while she felt the search had been "getting somewhere, we have been hit with the cruellest blow".

"I can’t find the words to describe how we as a family are feeling," she said.

"This includes my wonderful staff, especially Louise who took over yesterday in my place as I just couldn’t function."

Suffolk Police previously released an appeal for information on Puffin's whereabouts

Ms Millard previously said Puffin vanished while playing outside with her puppies.

Her puppies have since left Britain to prepare for a new life as search and rescue dogs for the United Nations.

The kennel owner believed Puffin disappeared around the time a van had delivered a parcel and the police were informed.

The family had been searching for Puffin and making use of drones.

Ms Millard said they had been "overwhelmed by how wonderful the people of not just my Spaniel world but the general public of Suffolk" were.

"Their kindness and help have been immense and I thank you from the bottom of my heart," she added in her statement.

Suffolk Police has been approached for comment.