CHICAGO – Name it the case of the pilfered pet.
Leaders of Chicago’s Anti-Cruelty Society are elevating considerations after one in every of their four-legged mates disappeared below mysterious circumstances — however the story has a contented ending.
What we all know:
Anti-Cruelty Society President Darlene Duggan stated a younger couple walked into the River North shelter simply earlier than closing time Sunday to have a look at canine accessible for adoption. The pair shortly took an curiosity in an 8-week-old dachshund named Peter.
“He’s an cute little Dachshund combine,” stated Duggan. “So he’s lengthy. And he has quick little legs. He’s eight weeks outdated, so he has lots of power and enthusiasm.”
Surveillance footage captured the couple’s go to — and the obvious dognapping.
“They signed in. Took a canine out with one in every of our volunteers. They have been introducing it, attending to realize it within the courtyard, contemplating adoption,” stated Duggan. “We’ve got them on digital camera, leaving the shelter earlier than they have been capable of put in an adoption utility. Leaving the shelter with the canine in hand.”
Duggan stated she suspects the couple might not have needed to pay the $300 adoption charge. However by stealing the pet, she stated, they could have put its life in danger.
“We’ve got procedures in place the place we do functions, we speak by way of the implications of introducing a brand new member of the family into the house,” she stated. “We undergo the vaccine data, medical care — anticipated issues for the animal, like feeding and vet care.”
Late Monday afternoon, the couple returned Peter to the shelter and left shortly with out talking to employees.
So far as the Anti-Cruelty Society is worried, it’s no hurt, no foul — and no costs filed.
“We despatched [Peter] again as much as our vet group,” Duggan stated. “All the pieces appears to be in good working order. So he’s accessible and prepared for adoption once more.”
What’s subsequent:
The canine caper comes at a time when animal shelters throughout the Chicago space are overflowing. Shelter officers say it is a reminder that now is a superb time to undertake — simply be sure that to do it legally.