TWO stolen rabbits are being sorely missed by their owners - and a pet dog.

The black and white bunnies were taken from their hutch in the back garden of the Herrero family home on Grosvenor Road, Dalton.

Joanne Herrero, 34, was given the lop-eared bunnies, Maisy and Floppy, as a present from her husband, Peter, for her birthday in March, when they were just 12 weeks old.

They were cared for by her sons, nine-year-old Zak and Oliver, four.

But the family's pet dog, 11- year-old golden retriever Simba, really took to the rabbits. Since they have gone she has been lying in the rabbit run, pining for them.

Joanne said: "She loved to watch the rabbits in the run. Now she goes in there, lies down and whines.

"She seems to be really pining for them. The boys are missing them, too.

"You just don't think anyone would want to steal rabbits," added Joanne.