Ipswich dogs raid: Images released in bid to find owners

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Twelve of the dogs found by police at West Meadows, IpswichImage source, Suffolk Police
Image caption,

A total of 83 dogs were seized during the raid, just off the A14, although police were not issuing photos of all of them at this stage

Police have issued photos of 48 dogs seized during a raid last month in a bid to reunite them with their owners.

The animals, believed stolen, were found at West Meadows travellers' site in Ipswich on 20 March.

Suffolk Police said due to a "lack of identifying features and information" it had been "challenging" to trace the dogs' owners.

Six people were arrested in connection with the raid on suspicion of conspiracy to steal.

A total of 83 dogs were seized at the site, but photos of the remaining 35 dogs were not being issued at this stage because they were subject to ownership inquiries or were young puppies, police said.

Image source, Suffolk Police
Image caption,

The animals were found during a police raid at West Meadows travellers' site, Ipswich

Det Ch Insp Nicola Wallace said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who believes any of the dogs in the images may be theirs.

"During the last few weeks officers have been liaising with other police forces around the country, as well as conducting a number of other inquiries, in order to establish where the dogs may have originated from."

Image source, Suffolk Police
Image caption,

Police said it had been "challenging" trying to find their owners due to a "lack" of information

Police have asked anyone with proof of ownership to contact the force, external by 24 May.

Proof of ownership can include veterinary records, pictures of the dog with any distinctive markings, details of microchipping or any purchase details.

The force said, however, the dogs either did not have microchips or had chips which may not have been correctly registered.

Image source, Suffolk Police
Image caption,

Police said owners with proof of ownership should contact the force

Of the six arrested, four have been released on bail, while two have been released and will face no further action.

Police said the four - two men, aged 34 and 39, and two women, aged 41 and 46 - were due to answer bail on 17 June.

Image caption,

The dogs were found during a search at the site, at junction 53 of the A14 at Ipswich

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