Marco Pierre White Jnr accused of ‘poaching dog from pub’
TV chef's son allegedly swiped popular dog 'Clive' after claiming to be his rightful owner
TV chef Marco Pierre White’s son has been accused of swiping a popular pub dog.
Marco Jnr, 21, told staff that his dad had given away lurcher Clive without his permission 18 months earlier.
He was then seen putting the dog in the back of a silver VW Polo and driving off.
Staff at the Black Swan in Devizes, Wilts, have reported the incident to the police.
Landlord John Chapman was away on holiday when the dognap happened, but his son Daniel, 17, said everyone was “very annoyed”.
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He added: “This is Clive’s home. He’s a real character in the pub and all the locals love him. He belongs here.”
Daniel said that Clive has been chipped and is registered to their home behind the Black Swan.
Celebrity Big Brother star Marco Jnr has previously been to the pub with his dad, but staff were surprised by his recent appearance.
Barman Harry Mahoney, 19, said: “Marco and two girls came in and he was saying, ‘Where’s Clive?’ I gave the girl the lead and she was saying sorry.”
Apprentice chef Daniel added: “It was all done and dusted in two minutes. Clive was dognapped.
“I couldn’t do anything because I didn’t really want to kick off with him.”
Marco Jnr has a room ten miles away at his dad’s £170-a-night hotel and restaurant, Rudloe Arms in Corsham.
Clive was spotted being walked near its grounds by a member of staff.
Abigail George, a friend who works at the hotel, said Clive belongs to Marco Jnr and had been taken back over concerns for his health.
She said: “Unfortunately Clive had been very poorly looked after and he was riddled in fleas. He also has a lump on his chest I’m concerned about.”
The Sun tried to contact Marco Jnr through his dad’s PR manager but they declined to comment.
A manager at the Rudloe Arms, who had Clive sat at his feet, refused to give his name.
But he said: “I know nothing about this, but will try to get to the bottom of it.”
Wiltshire Police said they were looking into the claims but consider it a civil matter.