THIEVES in Gwent stole 142 family pets and farm animals over a three year period, new figures from Gwent Police have revealed.

From 2012 to 2014, 142 animals including horses, fish and ducklings were stolen, with just 11 of those being returned to their owners in that period.

The figures obtained by a Freedom of Information request to Gwent Police last month show a surprisingly large number of animal thefts- a number which is continuing to rise.

In 2012, 38 animals were stolen of which only two dogs were recovered that year by Gwent Police.

Animals stolen in 2012 were seven dogs; three rabbits; one cat; one ferret; five birds; one lizard; seven sheep; five chickens; five horses/ponies; two ducks/ducklings and one pig.

In 2013 50 animals were stolen, an increase of 12 from the previous year, with only one dog returned.

The number of dogs stolen was 18; with five rabbits; one ferret; one guinea pig; 12 sheep; three chickens; three horses/ponies; one duck; one goat; one fish; three birds; and one snake also taken.

Last year saw the highest number of animal thefts in the past three years, with 54 animals stolen, of which only eight were returned.

Animals stolen were 13 dogs; nine poultry; eight birds; eight sheep; one fish; four other mammals; three cats; four horses/ponies; two reptiles; one rodent; and one tortoise.

That year four dogs were returned along with two cats; one bird and one tortoise.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: “Theft of a family pet can be particularly distressing and, for example, in the case of livestock, particularly expensive.

“We would encourage owners to take all recommended steps to protect their animals to ensure they are safely housed when necessary and also, if tags or microchips are suitable, to ensure they are used.”