A HIGHLY-respected ferret breeder is “devastated” after thieves broke into his property and stole 32 of his much-prized ferrets.

On Tuesday night, January 20, at around 11 pm, thieves reportedly broke into Chris Potter’s family home in Nynehead and stole 32 out of his 39 ferrets.

Chris believes that if it wasn’t for his dogs barking, the thieves would have taken all of them.

Chris Potter, Nynehead, said: “I have had ferrets all my life, I have never been without them. It is devastating and a huge shock.

“They are not just pets, they are high-class animals. All I want is for my animals to be returned to me safely.”

Chris has won hundreds of awards with his ferrets.

He also uses them for charity ferret racing at the Wellington Rotary Club and at the Conservative Club.

But as his ferrets have been stolen, Chris says he will not be able to continue.

Due to the nature of the theft, with the ferrets being taken in a short period of time, Chris believes that some may have been dropped and has advised those in the surrounding area to keep an eye on their small domestic livestock such as chickens and ducks.

Chris has requested anyone who has seen his ferrets contact him on 07702 781099.

He has offered an undisclosed reward for the safe return of his ferrets.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police, said: “At 6.09 pm on Wednesday, January 21 we received a report that entry had been forced to the outbuilding of a property in Nynehead and that a number of ferrets had been stolen.

“The theft is believed to have taken place at some point between 6 pm on Tuesday, January 20 and 5.15 pm the following day.

“An investigation is underway and anyone with any information - or relevant CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage - should call 101 using reference number 5226019120.”