Diamond dog collar stolen from poodle's grave in Paris

French police are investigating the theft of a diamond-studded dog collar from a grave at the world's oldest pet cemetery. "The grave of a dog buried with a diamond collar worth 9,000 euros (£7,500, $12,000) was desecrated on the night February 4 to 5.

"The investigation is being conducted by the local station," a police official said. A wealthy American industrialist's wife buried the dog, 'Tipsy', in 2003 in the Paris suburb of Asnieres-sur-Seine in a marble tomb whose headstone includes a large red heart and an image of a black poodle.



For years the legend of a dog buried with a diamond necklace had circulated in the town but it was only after the theft that police confirmed the truth of what had been thought an urban myth.

Asnieres mayor Sebastien Pietrasanta admitted he was astonished that such a valuable necklace had been buried with an animal, but was at pains to insist: "Treasure is not hidden in the tombs of all the dogs and cats." His office has lodged a police complaint for trespassing and Tipsy's owner has lodged one for desecration of a grave and theft.