BC SPCA spokesperson Lori Chortyk says she's devastated after discovering the theft of one of several brown teacup poodles in care Tuesday night from the Vancouver shelter.

Chortyk says staff arriving in the morning found a hole had been cut in a fence surrounding the property. She says someone had entered the building and stolen Mickey, a two-and-a-half pound, brown teacup poodle, one of six dogs taken into care about 10 days ago.

"They are just great little dogs, but they do need a lot of care. Our staff is just devastated. They are so worried about where he is," said Chortyk. She says Mickey was being treated for an infectious intestinal disease called Giardia, which she says is highly contagious for other pets.

"We don't know if this is someone related to the case or just a member of the public who came in and saw the dog. We don't have any details. We are just so anxious to get him back," says Chortyk.

Police investigating theft

The six teacup poodles were seized July 14, following a cruelty complaint from a member of the public. No other information is available, but Chortyk says Vancouver police are investigating Mickey's disappearance as a property crime.

"They are just great little dogs and he is a favourite of the staff."

She is asking anyone who might have seen something overnight Tuesday to call Vancouver police or the animal cruelty hotline at 1-855-622-7722

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