N.A.T. Steals Puppy From Family Who Were Going To Adopt, But A Tip Saves The Day

8-Week-Old Black Lab Puppy Stolen From Cleveland Animal Protective League

 

CLEVELAND - An 8-week-old black Labrador puppy was taken from the Cleveland Animal Protective League while another family was ready to take her home.

The Cleveland APL said Lucy, weighing only eight and a half pounds, was stolen at about 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

“We believe that the puppy was stolen while another family was in the process of adopting her,” said Sharon Harvey, CEO and President of the Cleveland APL in a news release on Thursday.

“A second person saw her, picked her up, and inquired about her. She was told by an APL team member that the puppy was in the process of being adopted. Shortly after that, it was discovered that the puppy was gone.”

According to the APL, the woman who took the dog was in her late 30s or early 40s with short, blond hair. She was about 5 foot 5 and 200 pounds with black-rimmed glasses.

“We are devastated and the family that had fallen in love with her is heartbroken that Lucy was stolen just as they were getting ready to welcome her into their family,” Harvey said.

The APL wants anyone with information to contact them at 216-771-4616, Ext. 0 or Ext. 125.

via www.newsnet5.com

Medina Man Adopts Cleveland APL's Stolen Pup

 

CLEVELAND - Lucy, the stolen pup from the Cleveland Animal Protective League, is finally with her new owner.

Mark Hange of Medina, Ohio picked up the stolen pup Saturday to take her to her new home.

"I couldn't believe it. I thought for sure the only time we were going to see her again was the pictures that we had. It's really nice to have her back," said Hange.

Lucy was smuggled from the APL on Thursday, after Hange had already started the adoption process.

According to Cleveland Police, Lucy was taken from her cage at the APL by a woman who claimed she just wanted to give the dog a good home.

Checking on a tip, Cleveland Police responded to a home in Cleveland’s Second District early Friday morning and recovered the dog.

The woman has not been charged at this time. Cleveland APL officials are consulting with prosecutors on what steps to take next.

"We certainly want to send the message that coming into this building and stealing a living being, especially a living being that already had a family, is not ok," said Cleveland APL CEO Sharon Harvey.

via www.newsnet5.com

Comments

[bellflowermoonfish]

That's both pathetic and awful. Glad they found the doggy though and got her back to her family. Funny I'm reading this while watching a puppy show on Animal Planet. :)

[Hailfall]

That doesn't really look like a labrador puppy..

But good to hear that it is back again :)

[CoG]

This woman is going to the same level of hell as those that steal from Girl Scouts >:(

[RayvenMoon]

Hailfall -That's because its a mix. Most of the time these days mix breed pups are labeled by the dominant breed in looks(or if mom came with them) on ads(shelter site, petfinder etc) first. Its only in the description do they add the mix part to the Lab bit.

There's also the chance its just a mismark(yes white patches like that happen), but my money is on it being a mix/mutt because Lab mixes are like roaches - they are everywhere.

[Madrias]

Someone please tell me that the thief gets the same penalty in the end as it would be for kidnapping and grand theft? Stealing is bad enough, but stealing a living being takes a whole different mindset.

[Skittles]

I think it really depends on the thiefs mindset here as to whether or not I would condemn her. If she honestly had no idea someone else was adopting the pup, and was just trying to save it, then while still not okay, it could be a lot worse. Now if she new it was being adopted and just wanted it that's a horse of a different color. Either way I'm glad the dog got back to it's new family.

[ShelterKat]

Sadly, in Ohio, there are no felony animal cruelty laws. That said, I'm unsure of the max. penalty for animal theft. Most thefts are prosecuted by dollar value.

I know in the case of Forrest, the dog shot four times, hit twice by his owner (dog survived and has been adopted) will be prosecuted as a misdemeanor. The felony charges are from a felon having a gun and all that.

So the bulk of the charges would be rooted in property law.

[BlaqueKatt]

Skittles-the article clearly states she was informed after picking the puppy up that another family was in the process of adopting it.

[Skittles]

@BlaqueKatt
Oh I guess that I didn't read the first one clearly enough. In that case she should pay the same penalty any thief would, since legally animals are not treated the same as people.

[Dennis]

C'mon, it was a PUPPY!! Stealing: yes, Kidnapping: NO! I understand some people may consider animals as the family member, but that does not make them a human being... I agree she should receive some kind of punishment, but its not like she stole the puppy for bad intentions. Maybe she promised her kids a puppy and couldn't afford one? People steal and it's not right, but they mostly have their reasons when doing it. I don't think she should get kidnapping and we all know that it's not grand theft because its under 5,000. Maybe have her do some kind of community service and a fine.