THE owners of a stolen dog say they have received a ransom call demanding £150 for the return of their Rottweiler.

John Clarke and his partner Angela Turford believe their pup Chimera was taken by someone from Newport's drugs community.

They say they have been "from pillar to post" looking for their pet. Mr Clarke, aged 45, added that Chimera needs a lifetime of expensive medical treatment to correct a jaw condition.

The dog was taken from the family's back garden, in Laburnham Drive, Somerton, on Saturday, July 17, and Mr Clarke said a ransom call came on Monday, leaving the couple and their three children Tristian, Destiny and Declan devastated.

He said that when Angela answered the phone a male caller said they had swopped a motorbike for the dog and wanted £150 for her return. Mr Clarke added: "She told him we didn't have any money because we'd spent it looking for the dog, and he just put the phone down.

"We've been from pillar to post. We've got a few feelers out because we can't just do nothing."

Chimera was meant to have gone to the vet's for treatment on the day she went missing. The dog has an undershot jaw condition and unless her teeth are filed professionally every 10 weeks, they will grow into her jaw. "I was told it would cost £100 every time," said Mr Clarke.

"It is a lot of money but we were prepared to pay it because we were so attached to her. Either whoever stole her doesn't realise this or doesn't care. She was only out of my sight for 15 minutes - someone must have called her to the gate and grabbed her."

PC David Laing, of Maindee police, confirmed he was investigating. He said:"We are carrying observations where we believe the dog may be." PC Laing said it was "a possibility" Chimera could be within the drugs community.

Anyone with information about the missing dog can contact Maindee police station by calling 01633 838111.