Pets Haven founder Trish Burke said three Arab Bull foster puppies were stolen during a daylight robbery at a Sebastopol home on Sunday. New foster carer, Annie, had been at work and left the seven puppies with their mother in the house. 

When she came back home the doors were ajar and three puppies – Growlithe, Evie and Shaymin - electronics and war medals were stolen. Ms Burke said the new puppies had been in the care of Pets Haven since they were born.

“The mother was on death row and she was placed into foster care, as were the puppies when they born,” Ms Burke said.

“Annie went to work and came home at 9.30pm – she noticed her TV, laptop, medal and three of the seven puppies were gone.

“She did there door knock and no-one had seen anything. This theft seems to have been an opportunistic moment, we don’t believe it was targeted.” 

Ms Burke said the theft had had a devastating impact on Annie, who had not been able to keep the remaining puppies.

“We think they broke into the house, saw the puppies and thought they could make a bit of cash. They will probably sell them for $500,” Ms Burke said.

“The impact it has on the carers are huge. If people are going into people’s houses and stealing things, that’s one thing. When they are taking puppies they are stealing things concerning the heart.” Pet’s Haven has been operating since 2003. This is the first time puppies have been stolen. 

“Sadly, I don’t think Annie will foster again. Which means not only have we lost puppies, we have lost a foster carer.” Ms Burke has advised against purchasing animals on Facebook. She said future pet owners should purchase animals through legitimate sources.