A couple's dog was snatched as her owner was being rescued from a car crash in Dunedin last week, according to a witness.
The dog-snatching happened about 7.30pm last Thursday in Maclaggan St, near Serpentine Ave.
Luke Mathieson (18) was driving up the street, with his 18-month-old Labrador-Staffordshire terrier cross named Missy, when he lost control of his car, which hit a power pole front on, knocking him unconscious. His leg was also broken.
A witness told Mr Mathieson's partner, Michaela Evans (18), they saw the dog sitting on the footpath beside the car "with her tail between her legs".
They then saw a small blue hatchback, with tinted windows, pull up behind the crashed car.
Three men got out and picked up the dog, put her in the car and drove off.
The witness told Miss Evans they thought it must have been someone who knew Mr Mathieson, but it was not, he said.
"All I remember is seeing a power pole and then waking up on the ground [after he was taken out of the car]."
The dog, which was registered and microchipped, was black, with a "fat labrador body" and a "staffie head", Mr Mathieson said.
She was "probably the most friendliest dog in the world", no good for any other purpose than as a pet.
The couple had reported the theft to police, had called every veterinary clinic in Dunedin, visited the pound and rung the SPCA most days to see if Missy had been found.
Miss Evans had made up flyers and posted them in mailboxes in the area.
"She's my best friend and I just really want her back," Mr Mathieson said.
