June 26th update: Cameron has been found and is safe!
By Kelli Banet, Best Friends Network VolunteerOn the evening of Friday, April 4th, an eight week old female Beagle puppy, now named Justice, was stolen from the Bridgeport Animal Control facility. The
SPCA of Connecticut has offered a $1000 reward for the return of the puppy, and
Bikers Against Animal Cruelty has pledged an additional $500. According to the Connecticut Post, a computer, a digital camera, a tranquilizer gun, dog food, and cat rescue contacts were also stolen. Photos of Justice can be viewed
here. According to Bridgeport Animal Control, her distinguishing markings include a white dot in the middle of her back, and a tail that is half black and half white.
In a sad case of deja vu, on the evening of Monday, June 23rd, a six week old female Pit Bull puppy named Cameron was stolen from the Meriden Humane Society. The puppy is brindle colored, and has a bite on the left side of her face. More urgent than the bite wound is a hernia in need of medical attention. The Meriden Humane Society and Bikers Against Animal Cruelty are offering a $1500 reward for the return of this puppy, no questions asked.
June 26th update: Cameron was found alive inside a dumpster. She is back at the shelter and doing well! According to the American Kennel Club, there were thirty reported dog thefts in the first three months of 2008. That's three times the number of thefts reported in ALL of 2007. The AKC offers many helpful tips for keeping your dog safe
here. Remember, it's easy to get carried away when talking to an admirer about your dog. Be sure to keep personal information private.
How You Can HelpVisit
Bridgeport Animal Control to see photos of Justice.
Visit the
Meriden Humane Society to adopt a friend.
Keep your eyes and ears open at local dog parks! Report any information to Bridgeport Animal Control at (203) 576-7727 or the local police department.
Posted By: Kelli BanetPhoto Credit: Rebecca VanMeter (Beagle puppy NOT related to this incident)