We are trying to encourage organisations, particularly vets, to routinely scan new adult animals as they come into their surgery

Sue Howarth, vet

She was taken from outside his home at Belbroughton, in Worcestershire, on Sunday.

Mr Baldi was inside the house when he heard a car speed off. When he went to look for Rushka, she was gone.

He said: "They knew she was here and that was it, they took her.

"I think they have taken her for breeding but unfortunately she is no good.

National database

"Due to a slight hip displacement, she has been spayed."

He added: "Rushka is our dog not theirs. She is a part of the family and we really miss her."

In an attempt to combat the problem, the Charnock, Gough and Shepherd veterinary practice in Kidderminster is trying to encourage people to have their pets fitted with identity chips.

The chips, which cost �25, last a lifetime and animals can be scanned with identity information available through a national database.

Routine scans

The veterinary practice says it knows of nine pedigree dogs that have gone missing in the last week.

Vet Sue Howarth said: "We are trying to encourage organisations, particularly vets, to routinely scan new adult animals as they come into their surgery.

"We are asking them to do it very routinely so as not to embarrass owners.

"But one day they might pick up an animal that has been stolen."

Police are urging people with any information about the missing animals to contact them.