Police say an elderly sick dog taken from a Christchurch dog shelter has been found "safe and well".
In a brazen act on Thursday afternoon, a man broke into the Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue facility in the suburb of Woolston and made off with Buddy, allegedly by throwing him over two fences.
The 10-year-old dog had severe arthritis and was due for surgery on Monday to have all of his tumours removed.
Earlier, founder and director of the shelter Abbey van der Plas issued an emotional plea for his safe return.
"I didn't sleep much last night," she said. "I walked Buddy yesterday and he was limping after a 10-minute walk. I can only imagine how much pain he was in after being thrown over these fences.
"We just want him back. We just want to find him a retirement home where someone's going to love him and treat him well for his final days."
On Friday Police said that due to CCTV footage, a suspect and vehicle of interest had been identified and with the assistance of Timaru District Council Animal Officers, Buddy was found safe and well following a search warrant in Timaru today.
A 47-year-old man has been charged with burglary and is due to appear in Timaru District Court on Tuesday July 11.
"Buddy remains in the hands of the Timaru District Council for return to Christchurch at the soonest opportunity - hopefully after a good feed of dog biscuits," a Police spokesperson said.
"We wish Buddy all the best with his scheduled surgery, and hope that he soon finds his fur-ever home."
