Alanis Morissette's husband has filed suit against the couple's former housekeeper over allegations she has stolen their pet dog.

The singer's rapper partner Mario Treadway is suing Maria Garcia, who was fired from her role as their house manager in January (14).

In papers filed at Los Angeles County Superior Court, Treadway claims Garcia has taken ownership of their pooch Circus, who they took into their home in 2011.

It is alleged the former employee wants to keep the dog as part of her severance deal, but Treadway is demanding the animal is returned to them.

He is asking a judge to order Garcia to hand back the pet, along with $25,000 ($15,600) in damages.

It is the couple's latest legal battle with a former employee - they are facing a lawsuit from Bianca Cambeiro, their ex-nanny who is suing for $100,000 (£67,000) over claims she was left emotionally distressed due to her excessive workload.