Police closed off part of the A9 motorway near Amsterdam at the weekend after a pet dog that has been missing for a week was spotted on the road.

Police cars and a helicopter were also involved in the search for Teddy, a Toy Poodle/ Shih Tzu crossbreed who ran off while being walked on January 2, when he was frightened by the noise of New Year fireworks.

The A9 was closed at the Holendrecht intersection, where it joins the A2, for several hours on Sunday morning after Teddy’s owner, Peggy van Boxtel, saw him on the road.

She told NH Nieuws he fled when she tried to approach him: ‘He was very scared, his instinct took over and he ran away. He didn’t even recognise me.’

Celebrities including actress Georgina Verbaan and singer Anouk have publicised the search for Teddy, along with volunteer organisation Dogsearch Nederland.

Police officer Jeroen Heuts said anyone who sees Teddy should not approach him but call one of two telephone numbers printed on flyers used to publicise the search. There is a €500 reward for information leading to his rescue.

Mocht u in de omgeving van knooppunt Holendrecht te Amsterdam een klein zwart hondje los zien lopen, neem dan contact op met @DogsearchN via het telefoonnummer op de flyer.
Tip: ga niet achter de hond aanrennen; geef vooral de locatie door. #Teddy is erg bang en zal wegrennen. pic.twitter.com/GyFLpZ2JNk

— Jeroen Heuts (@Pol_Heuts) January 8, 2023