A PUPPY stolen and held to ransom for £150 has been safely returned to its owners thanks to the Argus.

John Clarke, his partner Angela Turford and their three children, were overjoyed when the 17-week-old Rottweiler pup was dropped off outside their home at 11.15pm on Sunday.

And the dog, named Chimera, which has a jaw requiring medical attention every six weeks, was returned unharmed.

"We're over the moon to get her back," said Mr Clarke, 45, of Laburnum Drive, Newport.

"When she was returned, I had to go and wake the kids up otherwise they would never have forgiven me.

"Of course, they couldn't get back to sleep after that."

Chimera disappeared on Saturday, July 17 and one week later the family received a phonecall demanding a ransom for the dog.

Mr Clarke hoped the thieves might give her up when they realised she would cost £100 every six weeks in vets bills to have her teeth filed.

He still does not know where the pup has been, but said the family, including 12-year-old Declan, nine-year-old Tristian and six-year-old Destiny, are just thrilled to have her back.

"I would like to thank the Argus for its coverage," said Mr Clarke.

"I would also like to thank an anonymous lady who phoned the police and offered to put up a reward - thankfully, her services weren't needed."

Police had been investigating the theft and said it was the first case they had ever dealt with where a pet had been stolen for ransom.

The dog had only been left out for a few minutes when the family discovered she had been snatched.