POLICE are investigating a report of a dog theft in Wellington after a volunteer foster carer allegedly refused to return an animal to its owner.

The report, filed by the owner of Pads4pooches, Michelle Jordan, in February, stated that despite requests for collection arrangements to be made the rescue dog, who was in the temporary care of a volunteer, was yet to be returned.

Nero, a black Labrador crossbreed, was transported to the UK at the end of last year by charity Saving Balkans Boxer Dogs.

Nero was signed over to the UK-based rescue service Pads4pooches which was then responsible for finding him a new home.

In a search for an emergency foster carer, Nero was temporarily housed with a volunteer in Wellington with the understanding that the dog would be returned when a permanent home was found.

After a “forever home” was secured, the volunteer reportedly refused to return the dog.

The pads4pooches owner then paid for a transporter to try and collect the dog to which Michelle said the volunteer acted abusively, screaming at the transporter driver when they arrived.

On February 14, Michelle contacted the police to report the dog had been stolen after attempts to collect it

She said the volunteer was an emergency foster carer and “it was never agreed they could keep the dog”.

She said: “I am seriously concerned about his wellbeing and desperately want this boy back in our care.”

Avon and Somerset Police said: “We’re investigating a report of theft in relation to a rescue dog.

“A charity arranged for the dog to be brought over to the UK to be re-homed.

“The dog was temporarily housed with a volunteer in Wellington, until a permanent home could be found.

“The charity has reported that despite requests for collection arrangements to be made, the dog has not been returned.

“Enquiries are continuing.”