Maremma sheepdog Alfredo reunited with Adelaide owner as SA Police charge woman after dognapper hunt

A woman has been charged and a beloved pet has been reunited with its owner after a Maremma sheepdog was allegedly taken from an eastern suburbs backyard.

A woman has been arrested and a beloved pet dog has been reunited with his owner after police launched a hunt after a suspected “dognapping” in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs.

Alfredo – a three-year-old Maremma sheepdog – was found safe and well on Thursday morning.

Just before 8am, police were called to a Trinity Gardens property after reports Alfredo was there. A 53-year-old woman at the property was arrested and charged with possession of a stolen dog.

Alfredo was found safe and well on Thursday morning. Picture: SA Police

Police say Alfredo the Maremma was taken from an eastern suburbs backyard in the early hours of Tuesday. Picture: SA Police

Owner Ettore Bertonati told The Advertiser he was elated to have his beloved dog back after he feared he would never see him again.

“It was a massive relief, the best sensation of my life,” he said.

Mr Bertonati said Alfredo was returned to him with the help of neighbours who were eager to make sure the dog returned home.

He thanked the calls and tips from the public and the quick work of SA Police for helping get his dog home.

Owner Ettore Bertonati with his Maremma dog , Alfredo , who was dog-napped from Payneham. Once reunited he made him his favourite bolognese pasta. Picture: Keryn Stevens

A celebrated pizza cook, Mr Bertonati is well-known in Adelaide for his authentic Napoletana pizza and runs a pizza catering business ‘Back to Nap’.

Mr Bertonati said he was busy preparing a special treat for his four-legged friend’s emotional return: Alfredo’s favourite dish bolognese pasta. The charged woman is expected appear in court at a later date.

On Wednesday, SA Police appealed to the public to help find the dog, which they alleged was “dognapped” just after midnight on Tuesday this week.

They said the white Maremma sheepdog was stolen from a home on Ashbrook Ave at Payneham.

Police released CCTV of a woman in the area at the time of the incident who they wished to speak with, as well as an image of a car.

Originally published as Maremma sheepdog Alfredo reunited with Adelaide owner as SA Police charge woman after dognapper hunt