Puppy thieves caught; puppies returned

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (WSVN) -- A pair of puppies have been returned to a pet store after two young women were caught on camera stealing them early Monday.

Monday night, about eight hours after the dogs were stolen, police took two teenage girls into custody after a tipster led authorities to the accused thieves. "We had a detective from the Pembroke Pines police department, who's actually a great customer of ours to begin with, working on a tip," said Anthony Santoro, Petland's sales manager.

Police reported that the tipster recognized the suspects from surveillance video released by Petland, which Seven News aired on their afternoon and evening newscasts. "The investigation led them to an apartment complex in Davie," said Pembroke Pines Police Sgt. Shianynksi Morales. "When the detectives pulled up they saw the two juvenile females that had taken the dogs with the dogs, standing outside."

The unidentified tipster who saw the video on Channel 7 called authorities and will now get $1000 from the pet store for the capture of the suspects. The pet store will pay the tipster an additional $1000 upon prosecution of the suspects.

The pet store offered the $2000 reward to anyone who could help return the puppies, a Shih Tzu worth $1000 and a dachshund valued at $900. The pet store said it was worth announcing such a mighty reward because they want to see an end to the recent rash of puppynappings from local pet stores.

The two little dogs were returned in good health and unharmed. Microchips embedded in their bodies verified these were indeed the pups the store was looking for.

The two juveniles accused of stealing, and police add, trying to sell the puppies in the street, now face felony grand theft charges.

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