News

Alleged thieves caught on camera stealing dog from animal shelter

Published May 9, 2018 3:33 PM

Authorities said today they are investigating the theft of a pit bull mix from the Riverside County animal shelter in Jurupa Valley.

A “good Samaritan” placed the dog into the shelter’s nighttime compartment, where stray animals are brought, at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the Department of Animal Services. A review of surveillance footage shows a man, a boy and a woman breaking into the compartment about an hour later. Shortly after that, the man is seen leading the dog toward a vehicle.

It’s unclear whether the man seen taking the dog is its owner, according to Animal Services officials, who said the shelter at 6851 Van Buren Blvd. annually receives about 3,000 pets in its night-drop compartments, which have food and water inside and are rarely broken into.

“Why this dog was taken is anyone’s guess, but it’s theft in our eyes,” said Robert Miller, director of the Department of Animal Services.

The theft was reported to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Anyone with information is asked to call (800) 950-2444 or visit riversidesheriff.org/crimetips .