Jack Russel terriers stolen from Victoria property found dead

The search for two terriers stolen from a rural property has taken a sad turn after a gruesome find on the side of a highway.

Two dogs allegedly stolen from a property near Bendigo in northwest Victoria have been found dead near on a busy highway.

Two Jack Russells, three-year-old Sassy and six-month-old Buzzy, were taken from a property on Moliagul Dr about 11.30am on Sunday.

Police were told the dogs were outside the home when a white ute pulled up, before the driver allegedly got out and took the dogs.

Two Jack Russells, three-year-old Sassy and six-month-old Buzzy, were taken from a property on Moliagul Dr about 11.30am on Sunday. Picture: Victoria Police

Both dogs were later located by a member of the public on Monday about 6km away along the side of the Wimmera Hwy.

In a statement, Victoria Police said they were continuing to establish the exact circumstances of the incident and investigations were ongoing.

Officers released a photo on Monday of Sassy and Buzzy, as well as an image of a utility similar to the one believed to have been used.

Police have released images of the two dogs and a ute similar to the one allegedly used in the incident. Picture: Victoria Police

Talking on 3AW’s Breakfast with Ross and Russell, a police spokesman said police did not have a description of the driver of the ute.

“We understand the utility tray was damaged, so that is a bit of a clue,” the spokesman said.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.