LUNAR the loveable Labrador never left her owner's side.

She was well loved by the community in which she lived - and the dozens of elderly and sick children who she visited as a therapy dog.

Now her carer Major Alexandra Hughes is facing a battle with the charity who united the pair - after claims the dog was being was being mistreated.

Her struggle is being backed by a host of residents, councillors and MPs who are demanding to know why Lunar was taken away without warning.

Miss Hughes, commanding officer of the Eastleigh branch of the Salvation Army, said she watched in horror as workers of the Labrador Lifeline Trust turned up at her home - and took Lunar away.

Red rope She claimed she had been told to expect a visit from the area co-ordinator for the charity, but was never told there was any issue over the dog's welfare.

Miss Hughes, said: "Two women from the Trust came into my home. I offered them my hospitality but they were hostile and confrontational towards me.

"I went over to Lunar and told her I love her and without warning one of the women placed a thick red rope slip lead around her neck. They said Lunar would be taken to a foster home and I would never see her again."

She added: "I tried to get the rope off her neck but they were pulling the rope even tighter, hurting Lunar. She was squealing. She put her bottom on the floor and I had hold of her trying to keep her."

Since Lunar was bundled from the house in Penshurst Way, Eastleigh, Miss Hughes hasn't seen her and members of the Trust are refusing to tell her where the dog is.

A report claimed Lunar was not being cared for properly because she was overweight and had long claws.

It also suggested that Lunar had been made to stay inside a car for a long period of time during hot weather. There were fears that Miss Hughes was planning to take the dog to Canada.

Speaking about the allegations, Miss Hughes said they were "completely fictitious". She said: "I never kept her locked in a car during hot weather. When she has been in the car alone it has only been for short periods of time and with the windows open.

"She was not obese either, more a little overweight. I had concerns about that and had taken her to the vet who placed her on a strict diet."

Miss Hughes said the fears over taking Lunar to Canada were unfounded.

Bereaved Her pleas to be reunited with Lunar have received the support of Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne, local councillors and residents who have written letters - which they claim are being ignored.

Speaking about her loss, Miss Hughes said: "I am shattered, shaken, bereaved, alone and very emotional.

"I will give my right arm and sell everything I own to have Lunar back here with me."

Solicitors for the Labrador Lifeline Trust refused to talk to the Daily Echo about the situation or where Lunar is currently being housed. Solicitor Martin Coakley faxed a brief statement: "As honorary legal adviser to Labrador Lifeline Trust I am instructed to say that the dog Lunar was removed from the care of Miss Hughes on welfare grounds by local and area representatives, a decision confirmed by the trust's trustees following reports received."