![\"Huntaway-cross](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4JV6ALZ_missingdogs_jpg.jpeg\")
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\nJock and Nala were found safe on Monday.
\nPhoto: Supplied \/ Police\n<\/p>\n
A “hero driver” is being praised for helping return two dogs taken in a stolen ute in Central Otago.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The man stopped and offered to drive the rider and the dogs to Fairlie.<\/p>\n
But along the way, he started to become concerned that the dogs could be those that had been taken in the stolen ute from a \u014cmakau address on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Sergeant Cath Hone said the man continued to Fairlie but stopped outside a vet clinic where he called police.<\/p>\n
“The male got out, but our hero driver kept the dogs – Jock and Nala.<\/p>\n
![\"Huntaway-cross](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4JV6ALZ_missingdogs2_jpg.jpeg\")
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\nJock and Nala.
\nPhoto: Supplied \/ Police\n<\/p>\n
“Constable Brad Morton immediately dispatched from Lake Tekapo, along with a Timaru unit, and the male was located and arrested.”<\/p>\n
Hone said police wanted to thank the man for his actions and keeping the dogs safe.<\/p>\n
“We also want to thank Aorangi Veterinary Services in Fairlie for promptly jumping into action when they got to call from police to assist with the dogs – allowing officers to focus on locating the male.”<\/p>\n
A 35-year-old man has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Timaru District Court on 13 January.<\/p>\n
He is facing charges related to driving, burglary and theft of stock.<\/p>\n
The owners of Jock and Nala say they are “beyond thrilled” to have their dogs back<\/a>.<\/p>\n