Barrie Police and the OSPCA are investigating the theft of three dogs from the local OSPCA branch.
Police say the dog-napper(s) broke into the Patterson Road building through a rear window overnight Saturday.
Once inside, the suspect or suspects grabbed three dogs from the adoption room and exited the way they got in.
"It's a unique investigation that's for sure. We've never had anything like this with the OSPCA or any local animal shelter," said Barrie Police Const. Sarah Bamford.
The mystery deepened Sunday when one of the stolen dogs was returned to the shelter.
"About mid-afternoon Sunday a woman walked in with one of three dogs that were taken and left him in the lobby and turned around and left," said Bamford.
"None of the employees had a chance to speak to her but she was just seen leaving in a white Honda SUV with a man and a child."
Investigators say it's possible the woman may have found the dog wandering loose and if so, they want to know how and where.
Why the dogs were stolen in the first place is another head-scratcher.
"You hear of houses being broken into, buildings being broken into and material possessions being stolen but when the OSPCA is broken into and dogs are taken, that's quite unique," said Bamford.
Police want to hear from the woman who dropped off the dog.
The missing dogs are described as;
Jack Russell Terrier Mix - Rosco (6 years old)
- Male, neutered
- White and black in colour
- Approximately 22 pounds
Shepherd Mix - Nala (2 years old)
- Female, spayed
- Black in colour
- Approximately 44 pounds
Identification officers examined the scene and the investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Floyd of the Barrie Police Service at 705-725-7025, ext.2683, [email protected] or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, leave an anonymous tip online at www.tipsubmit.com
