A DOG-breeder has told of his anguish after claiming thieves stole three of his rare puppies.

Brian James, 65, reported the dogs missing last Thursday morning as he was about to take them for a walk on Pentre Tai Road in Rhiwderin. He found fresh footprints in the mud near to where he kept his beloved hounds.

The Huskamutes, or Alaskan Huskies, are a relatively new type of snow dog, and are a cross between Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies.

Mr James said the light-coloured coated pups, which are worth hundreds of pounds each, had not run away as they depend on the protection of their mother for at least a couple more weeks.

Their mother gave birth to four puppies six weeks ago, but now only one of the litter remains.

Mr James, who keeps around six other fully-grown huskies, said: “Two of them have piercing blue eyes and they are very pretty and only six weeks old. I normally keep them in the shed but they like their freedom so they must have gone into the yard to walk about.

“They wouldn’t go far from their mother. Someone must have jumped over the wall and pinched the puppies. They’re worth around £500 or £600 each although I sell them for a bit less.

“These people have got no brains doing this.”

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said they were investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 140 30/01/14.