THOUSANDS of people have shared a Facebook post pleading for help to find five stolen racing greyhounds.

The dogs were stolen from kennels in Burford on Saturday night, and two have since been found roaming around Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and nearby Charlton Abbots.

Kevin Hutton runs the kennels in the West Oxfordshire village, and said the break-in happened about 9.35pm on Saturday night.

He said: "They broke in through the back of the kennels and ripped the fencing down.

"It seems fairly obvious the others are going to be in the Cheltenham area - we think they were probably stolen for a night's hare coursing or something, as the two that have been found were just dumped."

The three that remain missing are a brindle greyhound (with a brown patterned coat) and two black greyhounds, all of which are microchipped.

More than 2,200 people have shared Mr Hutton's initial post about the stolen dogs since it was published on Sunday, in which he said: "The police have been to the kennels and have done what they can but obviously the more we can get the word out the better.

"All affected owners were informed last night and as you can imagine we are all out of our minds with worry."

He asked for the kennels not to be named but said they look after greyhounds and train them for racing.

Mr Hutton, who lives in West Oxfordshire, added: "The owners have all been very supportive, it's just been a horrible situation for them.

"We just want them home safe.

"People have been excellent and really helpful."

Anyone with information or who sees a stray greyhound matching the pictures can ring Mr Hutton on 07969021565.