Puppy theft leaves Murray Bridge dog breeder heartbroken

The theft of a two-week-old puppy has left a Murray Bridge dog breeder heartbroken.

The female Alaskan malamute puppy, who did not yet have a name, disappeared from the east side home of Tammy Mathie sometime on Tuesday.

More than 6000 people have since shared a Facebook post Ms Mathie created, calling for information about the puppy’s whereabouts – but to no avail.

Ms Mathie worried about the pup being away from her mum and 10 siblings at such a young age.

The puppy would still need to be kept warm, toileted manually and fed every two hours.

“They can’t climb out of their whelping box – they don’t walk at that age,” Ms Mathie said.

The puppies’ mother had been more protective of her other pups since Tuesday, she said, pushing her hand away with her nose if she tried to touch them.

She was sure the puppy had been stolen, perhaps because of its rarity – there are few breeders in South Australia – or its monetary value, likely several thousand dollars.

Local pet shops had reported two purchases of milk replacement powder for puppies on Monday and Tuesday, she said, and were checking CCTV footage; but she said police had told her there was not much they could do.

Ms Mathie urged anyone who knew anything about the theft, or the puppy’s whereabouts, to contact the Murray Bridge council, veterinary clinic or the dog rescue charity Scruffer Lovers.

“At the end of the day I don’t care who’s got her, I just want her back,” Ms Mathie said.

“She should be with her mum and siblings, not out by herself.”

• Make a report: Call Ms Mathie on 0432 453 290, the Murray Bridge council on 8539 1100, Murray Bridge Vet Clinic on 8531 4000 or Scruffer Lovers on 0431 670 929.

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