Ref. 27952-12DROVE Veterinary Hospital is searching for the owners of a dog believed to be lost rather than abandoned.

The pet, believed to be a Maltese terrier cross, was handed to the stray dog warden at Drove by police after being found at Barbury Castle.

As his owner has not come forward he is now due to be moved to a foster home.

However, there is another seven-day period in which the original owner could claim the dog before the re-homing process starts.

Stray kennel warden Angie Newman is adamant he is a missing pet rather than an unwanted stray.

She said: "I'm not convinced he's a stray at all, he's just not the type."

The dog, which vets believe is approximately four years old, has been neutered.

Angie said: "To have that done costs money so it doesn't make sense to say he's a stray. He also likes to be hand fed which suggests he was a bit spoilt."

Angie fears that rather than someone deciding to dump him, the owner simply doesn't know where to look for him.

She said: "It could be he belongs to an old lady who doesn't know where he could be."

If you know who the dog belongs to contact Jessie Bascombe from Strictly Strays on 07952 080398 after noon.