FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - The Humane Society of Broward County is asking the public’s help after a 10-week-old puppy named Pebbles was stolen from the shelter.
Pebbles, a small, 10-pound puppy recovering from parasites and ringworm, was taken from a secured kennel by a visitor carrying a backpack just before closing on Friday, at around 5:15 p.m., the shelter said.
“We’re just devastated that someone would be so brazen and steal a dog,” said Humane Society of Broward spokesperson Cherie Wachter.
The puppy had recently returned from a medical foster home and remains under veterinary care, making her especially vulnerable.
“She needs to go to a veterinarian to make sure she is healthy,” said Wachter.
Wachter said Pebbles, a brindle and white boxer mix, was in the middle of treatment and is under medication that is not available over the counter.
“So it’s really important that she get returned to the shelther so that we can take care of her,” she said.
The shelter posted video of the subject rolling up to rhe Dania Beach shelter on the bike, going inside and casually walking toward the kennels.
“He went back behind here,” said Wachter as she retraced the man’s steps.
Surveillance video shows the subject scoping out the area, making sure the coast was clear. He is then seen hopping over the wall of the kennel to grab Pebbles and stuff her in his backpack.
The man took off out the front door, hopped on the bike and pedaled away.
“For someone to be so heartless, to think that, you know, ‘I want a dog, and I’m just going to steal it,’ it’s crazy,” said Wachter.
The Humane Society of Broward urges anyone with information to contact authorities or the shelter immediately.
Pebbles is microchipped and registered to the shelter, allowing her to be traced if brought to a veterinary clinic.
Authorities are actively investigating the theft, and the Humane Society said it will implement a new no-large-bag policy to prevent future incidents.
“In all our years, we have never experienced something this extreme, and our hearts are shattered,” the shelter said.
The organization is asking the community to spread the word and help bring Pebbles safely home.
“We just want Pebbles back so that we can treat her, get her healthy and find her a responsible, loving home,” said Wachter.
If you have any information on this theft or the subject’s whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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