‘Hero driver’ praised for aiding in return of missing dogs after vehicle theft

Dogs Jock and Nala, who were taken when a ute was stolen in Central Otago, have been returned to their owners thanks to the help of a "hero driver". Photo / Supplied / Police

By RNZ

A “hero driver” is being praised for helping return two dogs taken in a stolen ute in Central Otago.

Police said the man was travelling along State Highway 79 towards Fairlie on Monday morning when he saw a man on a bike with two dogs.

The man stopped and offered to drive the rider and the dogs to Fairlie.

But along the way, he started to become concerned the dogs could be those that had been taken in a ute stolen from an Ōmakau address on Saturday.

Sergeant Cath Hone said the man continued to Fairlie but stopped outside a vet clinic where he called police.

“The male got out, but our hero driver kept the dogs – Jock and Nala,“ she said.

“Constable Brad Morton immediately dispatched from Lake Tekapo, along with a Timaru unit, and the male was located and arrested.”

Hone said police wanted to thank the man for his actions and keeping the dogs safe.

“We also want to thank Aorangi Veterinary Services in Fairlie for promptly jumping into action when they got a call from police to assist with the dogs – allowing officers to focus on locating the male.”

A 35-year-old man has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Timaru District Court on January 13.

He is facing charges related to driving, burglary and theft of stock.

The owners of Jock and Nala said they were “beyond thrilled” to have their dogs back.

– RNZ