AN upset ferret owner fears her pets could be used as bait in dog fighting after thieves stole the animals from her garden.

Thieves stole the ferrets belonging to Alison Lambie from their hatch in the garden of her house.

And the 23-year-old veterinary nurse, who works for Town and Country Veterinary Group, in Clayton-le-Moors, fears the animals could be used for dog baiting after hearing reports of other animals been stolen in recent weeks.

Miss Lambie said: "It seems like they have stolen them to order but there would be no use to anybody wanting them as working pets.

"But there are rumours about dog baiting and I am very upset."

Last Saturday, a week after Jethro, six, Little Un, seven and eight-year-old Beverley went missing thieves returned to the house, in Lingmoor Drive, Burnley, to take the two-storey hatch they were housed in.

Miss Lambie, who became interested in the animals after doing work experience at the RSPCA when at school, said she had no idea who was responsible.

Since their disappearance Miss Lambie has contacted the police, the RSPCA, the Missing Pets Bureau and pet shops in an attempt to trace the pets. And she is warning other ferret owners to be on their guard to prevent further abductions.

She said: "I have been ringing vets and pet shops to see if I can get them back. I want to warn other owners to make sure their ferrets are secure and I am willing to give a reward if anyone can return them."