Police were alerted to the incident after 4pm on Sunday and discovered the dog and tuckerbox had been dislodged from the base of the statue, falling into the surrounding fountain.

Officers from Riverina Police District were notified, and an investigation commenced, with police wishing to speak with a man and woman who may be able to assist with inquiries.

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The man is described as being of medium build with black hair. He is depicted in the image wearing a black jumper, light tracksuit pants and black glasses.

The woman is described as being of thin build with dark hair. She is pictured wearing blue jeans, a black top and brown jacket.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage that may be able to assist investigators are urged to contact Gundagai Police Station on 6944 0499 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Meanwhile, The Daily Advertiser reported that the Gundagai community was in shock and despair that their beloved 80-year-old landmark had been targeted.

The site's current leaseholder Denny Allnutt said this low act was not welcome in the community.

"I'm absolutely gutted and really devastated; it's so tragic to see the dog being the target of such a nasty sense of vandalism," she said.

"Visitors are shocked and saddened and we would've had about 100 people come today who are disappointed to find it like this, especially those who have travelled a long way."

Ms Allnutt's lease ends on Wednesday and said this tragedy could impact the new leaseholder's future plans.

"This will hugely impact her as we don't know at this stage if the dog will be repaired by the time the site opens again on August 10," she said.

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"The dog's ears have broken off and the historic old wishing well, made of fragile sandstone, has been damaged; the dog can be repaired, but the well can't be.

"The new leaseholder has got great plans for the side and it was all on track, but suddenly there is potentially no dog."

The dog was famously stolen in 1981 by a group of Canberra university students as part of a prank.

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"The dog was well looked after and then handed into Collingullie Police Station, but this was nothing like that," Ms Allnutt said.

"I'm sure the dog will be back on his tuckerbox and will remain there for years to come."

The Cootamundra Gundagai Council are working with the Riverina Police District to find those responsible.

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