The RSPCA have launched a huge search after a five month old Chihuahua cross puppy was stolen from from Bristol Dogs and Cats Home during the early hours of Sunday morning.

Staff at the centre are fearing that the puppy, named Fox, was deliberately targetted to be used for breeding, sparking a police investigation.

Jodie Hayward, the centre’s manager, said that despite the charity being staffed 24/, the robbery had been a highly skilled operation, with much planning put into it.

“They used professional tools to break in, and knew exactly which kennel they were aiming for.

"Our fear is that she has been stolen to be used for breeding, however she has only recently been spayed and is still recovering from that operation – we do not know what condition little Fox is being kept in, if that operation wound gets infected it could make her seriously ill and she would need veterinary attention."

Fox is neutered and microchipped, and has been reported as stolen. The police and their forensics team have been at the rescue centre, investigating the break in and gathering evidence.

The centre has circulated the information to dog wardens, Dog Lost sites and many other stolen/lost groups online.

If anybody has information on the whereabouts of Fox, they can contact Avon and Somerset police on 101 quoting reference 318 of 20th September 2015.