Moldovan President Maia Sandu’s dog, Codrut, who made headlines after biting Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, was safely returned to the presidential residence on Wednesday after going missing on New Year’s Eve.
The mixed-breed dog, who lost a leg in an accident and was adopted by Sandu in 2023, ran off during the New Year’s Eve celebrations when fireworks startled him. Local residents in Chisinau took to social media, reporting sightings of the golden-haired canine, and hours later, Codrut was safely brought back home.
“Our good friend Codrut had an unpleasant experience,” wrote presidential press secretary Igor Zaharov on social media. “He is safe at home.”
Codrut’s earlier fame stemmed from an incident during a state visit in November 2023, when he bit Austrian President Van der Bellen, causing a minor injury to his hand. This isn’t the first time a presidential dog has made news for biting. US President Joe Biden faced similar issues, with two of his German Shepherds being removed from the White House following biting incidents.