Police Seek Tips On Theft Of Three Dogs

By Andrew Gorosko

In a locally unusual incident, police are investigating the apparent theft of three friendly dogs from a residential property that occurred Saturday, August 8, while the resident was away from the house.

Police Sergeant Aaron Bahamonde said this week that the resident had securely confined the three dogs outdoors in a fenced area on the property at Currituck Road near Main Street before leaving the premises. However, on returning, the three dogs were missing, apparently having been stolen by someone, the sergeant said.

Police are investigating the incident as a larceny.

Missing is a 2-year-old male Jack Russell terrier with black and white markings who answers to the name Black Jack. The dog needs to be on heart worm medication.

Also missing is  a 4-to-5 month-old female short-haired black retriever mix puppy with the name Simone.

Simone’s 4-to-5 month-old brother is a tan male short-haired puppy mix of either a retriever/collie or a retriever/shepherd named Sammy.

All three dogs are rescue dogs who were removed from Georgia before they were to be euthanized, according to the owner, who prefers to remain unidentified.

“All are sweet and hopefully will be found. It appears that they were either taken or let free…I only hope that they are safe and in a good environment…I am devastated that this could happen. I have no clue what would motivate an individual to let three small dogs free on such a busy street or take them,” the owner said.

The owner has checked with animal control officers in area towns but has not located the dogs. Information on the missing dogs has been posted on the Internet.  The owner plans to provide photos of the dogs to area veterinarians for help in finding them.

 Sgt Bahamonde said such a theft is unusual locally, adding that there apparently is a monetary aspect involved, noting the desirability of puppies.

The sergeant believes that it is unlikely that the dogs escaped from captivity because if they had wandered away, police very likely would have received complaints about roaming dogs. Also, there have been no reports of such dogs being struck by vehicles, he added.

Police are seeking the public’s help in locating the missing dogs. Officer Bart Lorancaitis is investigating. He can be reached at the police station at 426-5841. The police tip line is 270-8888.