A world renowned dog breeder has sent out a plea for two female pugs to be returned after one was dropped off at his home in mysterious circumstances a few days after three were stolen.

Cambs Times: Just before Christmas, three prize winning female pugs, were taken from Michael Quinney's home in March. The dogs are said to look 'just like' the ones taken.Just before Christmas, three prize winning female pugs, were taken from Michael Quinney's home in March. The dogs are said to look 'just like' the ones taken. (Image: Archant)

Michael Quinney, who has bred and judged dogs all his life and is known internationally for his work, thinks his outside lights were tampered with as he said he had no idea burglars had broken into his home to take the animals.

The Saturday before Christmas three prize winning female pugs, were taken from his home in Westry.

One has since been returned but he is desperate to get the remaining two back.

Cambs Times: Just before Christmas, three prize winning female pugs, were taken from Michael Quinney's home in March. The dogs are said to look 'just like' the ones taken.Just before Christmas, three prize winning female pugs, were taken from Michael Quinney's home in March. The dogs are said to look 'just like' the ones taken. (Image: Archant)

He said: “A few days after Christmas I had a knock on the door and two young women and a man said they had found my dog, they were vague about how they had got hold of the pug, but just handed it back.

“They left phone numbers but they turned out to be fake identities.

“I have no idea who they were or how they came to have my dog, all I know is two are still missing and I desperately want them back.”

Mr Quinney has had a life long interest in animals, and had pets of different types since he was young.

“He registered his affix, Adoram, in 1951 while still a teenager, and successfully bred and exhibited pugs, going on to become one of the youngest judges to award in the breed at Crufts at the age of 29.

“His aunt shared his love of animals and together they built up an extremely successful boarding kennel in Cambridgeshire, which was patronised by many famous people, including Royalty.”

Mr Quinney, 80, of Wisbech Road, contacted police after Priscilla, Bridget and Flash, went missing from his heated outbuilding at some point during the night.

Pricilla has been returned.

He said: “I’ve had pugs all my life, since I was 12. They’ve been all over the world with me and have won many prizes.”

Michael judges at British cat shows and is approved by the Kennel Club in more than 70 breeds.

He has judged in Scandinavia, Australia, Canada, Africa, America, Japan, New Zealand, Barbados, Trinidad, Ireland, Greece and Spain.

• Investigations are ongoing and anybody with information regarding this incident should call police on 101 quoting CF0728901217 or visit www.cambs.police.uk/report.