Two dogs were stolen from locked kennels, mistreated and later found dumped on roadsides in Central Otago.
Arlo has been returned to his owner, after being stolen from Clyde on 8 June. Photo: NZ Police
Clyde police want to know what happened to Arlo, a 19-month-old bluenose Staffordshire, and Wolf, a 13-year-old black Huntaway/Beardie cross.
The dogs were stolen from Hazlett St in Clyde on 8 June.
Wolf was found around midday on 13 June, in a ditch on the side of the road. He had injuries which indicated he had been mistreated, but was now at home recovering, police said.
Wolf was stolen from Clyde and mistreated, say police. Photo: NZ Police
Arlo was found on the evening of 17 June on the side of Springvale Rd.
He appeared to have lost weight and remains in a nervous state.
Sergeant Derek Ealson from Alexandra Police described the crime as "awful".
"A person who steals a dog and mistreats it is a heartless criminal," Ealson said.
"We don't know what has exactly happened to the dogs, however the owner is very pleased to have them back."
Police want to speak to the driver of a white double-cab ute with black trim, tinted windows, and red writing on the side that was seen in the Springvale Rd area at about 5pm on 17 June, when Arlo was found.
Anyone who saw the ute or has other information can contact police on 105 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 800 555 111.