A MAN was shocked to be handcuffed by police after taking in two dogs he believed  needed rescuing.

Luke Dayus and Christina Lambourne of  Thames Close, Worcester, said they took two dogs they found on Newtown Road after being concerned for their safety.

The couple said they believed that taking the dogs home was the right thing to do.

However, police turned  up at their home after one of the dog's owners reported them stolen.

Mr Dayus said he saw the dogs alone in Newtown Road and was concerned for their safety, so with the help of a passer-by he took the dogs home.

Ms Lambourne added: "Three bowls of food later they were still hungry, they were trying to get into the bins. 

"They were absolutely filthy, they were so scared they had their tails between their legs, they were shaking and we were just giving them love and comfort and showing them that they were safe."

"About 5pm that evening about six or seven police officers turned up at my door.

"I went outside and said to them that without a warrant you are not coming into my house and you are not taking these dogs unless you are taking them to the dog warden or RSPCA.

"They proceeded to say we're big dog lovers but you can't keep them because they're not your property.

"We stood our ground and then they ended up arresting my partner on suspicion of burglary."

The pair had moved one of the dogs to a friend's house in Warndon Villages.

Ms Lambourne explained that Mr Dayus was kept in handcuffs until the police had collected the second dog.

"We have CCTV of Luke finding the dogs on the street and we have an appeal out to find the lady who helped Luke to put the dogs in the car.

"We didn't know it was a police matter with dogs until they turned up at the house."

The dogs are now back with their owners and the RSPCA say both dogs are happy.

One owner said to the Worcester News: "My dog is well, my dog's is fine, she is safe and happy."

A spokeswoman from the RSPCA said: “We have visited and the owner has been given advice about the dogs, including making sure that current microchip details are fully up-to-date. 

"We would like to reassure people that we will always look into concerns that are made to us about animal welfare. These can be reported to us via our national number on 0300 1234 999.

"Both dogs were seen by the RSPCA officer and were playful and alert. One dog has seen a vet and another is due to go.

"There also appears to be some misinformation on social media about dog breeding at the address.

“The male dog living there is neutered, and there were no puppies, or signs of puppies, at the address when we visited."

A spokesman from West Mercia Police said no arrests were made.

He said: "Around 2.30pm on February, Saturday 19, officers received a report of dogs having been stolen in Worcester.

"Officers attended a property in Thames Close and the dogs were returned to their owner.

"Officers also received reports of malicious communications between the parties involved.

"No injuries were reported and enquiries are ongoing.