article_snippet.sent: Police investigating the theft of 12 prize-winning guinea pigs from a top breeder have not ruled out - a rival competitor.
article_snippet.sent: a devastated Tancock believes only an expert could have targetted the dozen show-quality guinea pigs stolen leaving more ordinary rodents behind.
article_snippet.sent: Police investigating the theft of 12 prize-winning guinea pigs from top breeder Tony Tancock (pictured) have not ruled out - a rival competitor .
article_snippet.sent: Sabotage: Heartbroken owner Tancock (pictured) believes only an expert could have targetted the dozen show-quality guinea pigs .
article_snippet.sent: They took two tortoiseshells, two black and two brown, all short-haired guinea pigs that besides being show-quality, were also beloved family pets. '
article_snippet.sent: Guinea pig fancying took off in the 1890s but a fascination for the furry animals began when the treasured pets were introduced to Britain from South America in the 1500s.
article_snippet.sent: The biggest event in a guinea pig fanciers calendar - the Bradford Championship Show - draws hundreds of participating critters, competing in categories separated according to breeds.
highlights_snippet.sent: Heart-broken Tony Tancock, 56, has won prizes for specially-bred guinea pigs .
  