A stolen dog, missing for more than a month, has been found dead.

Anne-Marie Millard, 57, who runs a kennel in Uggeshall, Suffolk, reported her daughter’s Springer Spaniel, called Puffin, missing on September 22.

She thought the four-year-old had been stolen and confirmed on Wednesday that Puffin had been found dead.

In a statement on social networkssaid Millard, while believing that the research had “achieved something, we have received the cruelest blow”.

“I can’t find the words to describe how we feel as a family,” she said.

“This includes my wonderful staff, especially Louise who took my place yesterday as I just couldn’t function.”

Ms Millard previously said Puffin went missing while playing outside with her puppies.

Her puppies have since left Britain to prepare for a new life as search and rescue dogs for the United Nations.

The kennel owner thought Puffin had gone missing when a van delivered a package and the police were informed.

The family was searching for Puffin and using drones.

Ms Millard said they had been “overwhelmed by the quality of people not only from my Spaniel world, but also from the general public in Suffolk”.

“Their kindness and help have been immense and I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she added in her statement.

Suffolk Police have been contacted for comment.