A dog-napper snatched Azan the husky while his owner walked him on a Dandenong street.
Police on Monday 8 August released images of a man they want to speak to about the incident.
He was walking a labrador off-leash on David Street when he approached the 49-year-old victim, who was walking two huskies, about 7.15pm on Thursday 4 August.
Police said he asked the victim where he got his dogs and then pulled on his lead.
The victim tried to walk away but the thief punched him to the left side of his face and pushed him into a garden bed.
He unclipped the harness from Azan and fled with the pooch, his labrador in tow.
He was last seen running with the two dogs along James Street towards Heatherton Road.
Azan is a black and white husky and is micro-chipped. Police have been told he loves people, food and getting into cars.
Greater Dandenong CIU detectives said the man they were looking for was aged in his early twenties, was wearing a red jacket at the time of the theft, and might frequent the Dandenong area.
Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au with any information.
