2 arrested in dog thefts from Columbia shelter
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Police say they have arrested two teenagers suspected of stealing pit bulldogs from a Columbia animal shelter.
Police said Monday they had arrested a 17-year-old and a 13-year-old and are looking for two more people. All four are from Blackville.
After the arrests, police said they went to Barnwell County, where they found 17 dogs. The animals are being examined, but police say they only have minor injuries.
This past weekend was the third break-in in three weeks at the shelter near Interstate 77. Thanks to a new security camera, police say they have photos of the latest break-in.
More than a dozen pit bulls have been taken from the shelter since Jan. 29. Police say the dogs bring a good price in the illegal dog-fighting black market.
