Stolen service dog found dead in SC family’s yard

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (AP) — Authorities say a service dog trained to help a 9-year-old autistic girl has been found dead in the family’s yard in Moncks Corner, five days after they reported the animal was stolen.

The girl’s mother said it appeared the 3-year-old black and white American bull terrier named Toby found Sunday night had been was hit with a baseball bat. Children waiting for a school bus told investigators they saw someone take the dog Tuesday morning.

The dog was trained to help the family’s autistic child communicate and keep her safe.

Kelly Noland says her daughter took the dog’s disappearance hard and she isn’t sure they will get a new dog soon. She valued the dog at $2,000, but said it was priceless to her daughter.