Officers recovered two dogs following this week’s break-in at MBR Acres in Wyton and returned them to the company.
Fourteen people were arrested and interviewed in connection with burglary and aggravated trespass following the incident which happened on Tuesday (December 20).
They have been released on conditional bail until next year.
Eighteen further dogs were taken and have not been recovered.
A statement released by Cambridgeshire Police late this afternoon said: “We recognise the strong feelings this issue has raised in many people, however, we had no legal justification to retain the dogs and therefore were compelled to return them.
“In response to concerns raised, we contacted the Home Office, which confirmed MBR Acres is a licensed establishment and recent inspections of the site confirm it is compliant with the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and, therefore, its licence.
“The Home Office and its Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU), which administers and enforces the 1986 Act, supported the return of the dogs for their wellbeing.”
It is understood the dogs are Love and Libby, two beagles campaigners were urging police to 'free' at a demonstration outside Cambridgeshire Constabulary's headquarters in Huntingdon.
More than 60 members of the animal rights group Animal Rebellion and members of the public stood alongside each other with with signs, banners and their own pets at the yesterday's (Thursday's) event.
Their request was for pair to be taken to pre-arranged sanctuaries.
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