A Medway woman has thanked the council for looking after the family’s dog and refunding the kennel fees after it was injured when her partner’s van was stolen.

The black labrador suffered a gash to his neck after being pushed or kicked out of the white Renault Trafic 100 yards from where it was stolen in Lyndhurst Avenue, Rainham.

Senior Safer Communities Officer Russel Songhurst found the injured animal and took it to Jasmil kennels in Lower Halstow.

The owner’s partner, who has not been named for security reasons, paid the standard fee of £40 to have the family pet returned, but after she contacted local councillor Janice Bamber the council returned the fee.

The van was recovered just off Fort Pitt Hill two days later, minus £700 of Ikea furniture and numerous power tools, but the family was delighted that at least the family pet had been cared for.

Anyone who saw the van - registration T569 JPO but changed to read T588 JPO by whoever stole it – between July 28 and July 30 should get in touch with Medway Police on 01622 790790.