Portland woman charged with theft over missing Heywood border collie puppy

A woman has been charged after she allegedly stole a border collie puppy in Victoria’s southwest.

A 10-week-old border collie puppy has been returned to its owner weeks after it was allegedly stolen.

The puppy was reportedly stolen on October 6 from an enclosure on Oakbank Lane in Heywood, where four pups were being held.

On Monday October 31, the puppy was rescued from a property on Willunga St in Portland after a search warrant was issued by Heywood and Portland police.

Multiple charges were filed against a 36-year-old Portland woman including theft, trespass, and deception.

The puppy was found in a back shed, where it was distressed but had no injuries.

Once the puppy was retrieved, a checkup was performed and the dog was returned to its breeder.

The puppy was found distressed but no injuries were visible. Picture: Eyewatch Southern Grampians Police Service.

Eyewatch Southern Grampians Police Service shared the announcement of the rescued dog on their Facebook page.

The puppy was found at an address on Willunga St, Portland on October 31. Picture: Eyewatch Southern Grampians Police Service.

“Glad you found the pup and returned to owner. I’m also glad someone will be prosecuted for its theft,” Gina Hill commented on the post.

The alleged offender was granted bail and will appear at the Portland Magistrates’ Court early next year.