A dog owner says he is living a "nightmare" after his beloved pet was believed to have been stolen.

Jordan Juniper, from Knockholt, in Sevenoaks, says his 10-month-old Caucasian Shepherd called Ivar was taken from his pen on Thursday, in the late morning or early afternoon.

Mr Juniper, 26, who bought Ivar five months ago, said: "It has been a nightmare but I've just got to keep positive. He's such a happy little dog, he's really friendly."

Mr Juniper last saw Ivar in his 3 metre by 4 metre pen in the front garden, between 11am and 12noon.

When he came back at 3pm to take him for a walk, the dog, who weighs about 50kg, was missing and the padlock on his pen had been cut and left on a nearby chair.

A witness also claimed to see Ivar being loaded from one van into another at the car park of a nearby restaurant.

Mr Juniper's bungalow, on Old London Road, is down a rural route which he says does not get a lot of passing traffic. His front garden does not have a fence.

He said: "I am concerned for his wellbeing. I don't know if he's being looked after, you just don't know what kind people are out there."

The 26-year-old has reported the incident to Kent Police, who have been approached for comment. He has also handed out posters and is appealing for information on social media.

The Caucasian Shepherd is a very large dog. Males can grow to around 75cm tall and weight more than 50kg.

They have a life span of 10 to 12 years and are native to countries including Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Dagestan.

If you have any information that could help locate Ivar, ring Mr Juniper on 07949 215259.

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