A pit bull pup may have been dog-napped after a break-in at a Pembroke property.

Police admitted yesterday that it was not clear whether the pet — whose breed is banned in Bermuda — was stolen by a burglar or escaped of its own accord from the home in Serpentine Road.

The nine-month-old, tan-coloured animal, which has white paws, disappeared after the burglary on Tuesday between 6.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.

A Police spokesman said the burglar ransacked the home and left the property open.

“The animal might have wandered out or it could have been taken,” he said. “Inquiries into this incident are under way.”

He added that it was possible the home had been targeted specifically for the dog so it could be sold on the black market. American pit bull terriers cannot be imported into Bermuda or bred here following a ban on dangerous dogs imposed several years ago — but the breed remains popular with some Islanders.

Beaman Smith, an inspector for the Society for the Protection of Animals, said he had heard of dogs being stolen for resale.

“I have heard of it but I don’t know who, when, where or what,” he said. “It’s hard to own a pit bull now and it’s not worth it anymore. It was just a big fad for a while.”

He added that the puppy may have been legitimately owned since keepers can take restricted dog breeds to the society to have them legalised. The process involves the dog being sterilised at six months and undergoing obedience training.

The Police spokesman said the missing dog was not considered a danger to the public.

“There is no indication of that,” he said. “By all accounts, it’s a very friendly and well-socialised dog. I understand it’s a friendly pit bull and it’s also a puppy.”

The dogs’ owners — a woman and her adult son — reported that 25 CDs and DVDs, a bed linen set and $50 worth of coins were also missing from the house after the break-in.

Another burglary was committed on Tuesday at a home on Warwick Lane, Warwick.

The culprit stole a Toshiba laptop computer, an iPod MP3 player and docking station, 12 DVDs, $100 cash and some jewellery between 8.15 a.m. and 4.45 p.m.

Anyone with information about the missing dog or either burglary should contact Police on 295-0011 or Crimestoppers confidentially on 1-800-623-8477.