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