Derbyshire Police were called to reports of a “small, bully type dog” tied up at the top of Slack Hill along Chesterfield Road, near Matlock, Derbys., by concerned members of the public
Police officers called out to what was believed to be an abandoned “small, bully-type dog” on a Derbyshire roadside were stunned to discover the creature in distress was actually Sven – the beloved reindeer character from Disney’s hit Frozen franchise.
Derbyshire Police were contacted on Monday after concerned locals repeatedly reported that a dog had been tied up for hours near the top of Slack Hill on Chesterfield Road, close to Matlock. Several callers said the animal appeared to have been left alone all day, prompting fears for its welfare.
But when a Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) officer arrived to check on the situation, they were met not with a neglected pet, but with a life-sized model of Sven, complete with harness and a placid expression, standing patiently at the roadside.
Sharing the amusing mix-up on social media, Matlock, Cromford, Wirksworth and Darley Dale Police SNT joked that they had come across “one of Santa’s reindeer resting after a test flight over the Dales area.”
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In a post to Facebook, officers wrote: “We have had several reports regarding an abandoned dog at the top of Slack Hill along Chesterfield Road. Officers received a description of a small, bully-type dog that was tied near the junction for the entire day.
“A local SNT Officer attended and, to their surprise, didn’t find a dog, but instead found one of Santa’s reindeer resting after a test flight over the Dales area. After being given some stern words about being seen in the middle of November, Officers left the fella to his break.”
Residents quickly joined in the festive humour, with many admitting they had also done a double-take upon seeing the reindeer figure earlier in the day.
One local commented: “Yet no one stopped to check if an actual dog was tied up lol. I think it’ll be ace to let it stay there.
“Hopefully when it snows, Sven can catch snowflakes on his tongue. Also concerned for all the reports! I mean, do you all need an appointment at Specsavers? Hahaha.”
Another resident added: “Saw it this morning, had to look twice, then had a chuckle.”
A third wrote: “Saw Sven being reunited with its owner this morning. Well, I hope he was and he wasn’t being deernapped. Now on his way to Chesterfield.”
Many praised the light-hearted moment, with one Facebook user summing it up: “I’m glad people still have a sense of humour.”
Police have not revealed who owns the model, but locals say Sven has been “bringing smiles” to drivers tackling the steep hill – weeks ahead of the official start of the festive season.
