When Roxy the mastiff was stolen, owner Dan Tabi feared he would never see his pet again.

But thanks to the dogged detective work of a council pooch warden, the pair have been reunited.

Roxy went missing early in December when thieves cut through a gate at Dan's home in Warden on the Isle of Sheppey.

Dan Tabi is reunited with Roxy

Dan later moved house, sure he would never see Roxy again.

Roxy had a microchip in her neck with Dan's details and even after moving home, Dan had the details updated just in case Roxy turned up.

Then on Thursday (Feb 7) a member of the public called Swale council to report a large stray dog wandering along the beach near Warden Bay Road.

Council spokesman James Brydges said: "Our dog warden Melissa Herbert picked up Roxy and after discovering she was chipped sent a letter to Mr Tabi with some very welcome news."

Dan received the letter on Saturday (Feb 9) and soon, man and pooch were reunited.

Councillor David Simmons, cabinet member for the environment and rural affairs, said: “It was good to see Dan and Roxy have been reunited and there is a happy ending to this tale.

"But other owners may not be so lucky.

"I urge owners to get their dogs chipped so we can help reunite pets and owners quickly.”

Mr Brydges added: "Despite this great news, there are some serious issues the council would like to stress.

"A dog was stolen and private property was damaged.

"If anyone has any idea where Roxy was kept or has any information, they should be reported to the police immediately by calling 101.

"We also urge all owners to microchip their pets so we can work with companies such as Petlog or Identibase to identify pets as quickly as possible."

To microchip your pet and check its details are up to date, call Swale council on 01795 417850 to book an appointment with a dog warden who will make a house call.