River's lucky rescue and maybe a new home

A routine police patrol turned into something a little different for Constable Georgina Weston.

While patrolling an area of the Kaiapoi red zone for a stolen vehicle, Constable Weston spotted a member of the public looking concerned.

When she stopped to speak with him, the man said he heard the cries of a puppy, which were coming from a stormwater drain.

After a bit of time and effort, Constable Weston managed to catch the male puppy, which the SPCA believe is about eight-weeks-old.

The mixed-breed puppy was taken back to the Kaiapoi police station, where he was smothered in attention and it was decided he would be named River.

Following a short stint as the station mascot, River was collected by the SPCA.

An SPCA spokeswoman said River was found malnourished and currently does not have an owner.

He will remain in the care of an SPCA foster family until he is nursed back to health and old enough to be desexed and adopted.

His rescuer, Constable Weston, hopes to be the first on the list to be considered as River’s new owner.

Like the SPCA, police are able to investigate animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act.