Arrests Made in Animal Shelter Dog Thefts

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott says a 17-year-old has been charged in the case and a juvenile has charges pending. Investigators are looking for another juvenile and a 25-year-old in connection with the case. The most recent incident of pit bulls being stolen from the City of Columbia’s Animal Shelter occurred shortly before 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2012. In this case, the suspect is accused of stealing five pit bulls from their cages. This is the third similar incident involving animal thefts at the animal shelter in three weeks. The first incident occurred at 127 Humane Lane between Sunday, January 29, 2012, and Monday, January 30, 2012. A similar theft occurred between Sunday, February 5, 2012 and Monday, February 06, 2012. To date, there have been sixteen (16) pit bulls stolen, including a pregnant one. According to the animal shelter, one dog was recently recovered by a good Samaritan and is reportedly in good condition. Chief Scott says, “We continue to determine specifically why these dogs are being targeted. Since the first crime happened we have been coordinating security efforts with the animal shelter to hopefully capture the individual or individuals responsible. We don‘t want these dogs to be harmed in any way.” Chief Scott encourages citizens with information about crime to call, text, or go online, with their anonymous tip to Crimestoppers in any of the following ways: CALL toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC. TEXT to CRIMES (274637), and mark the beginning of the message with “TIPSC,” followed by the tip information. LOG onto: www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red “Submit a tip” tab. Tipsters could earn a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.