EXETER, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island State Police and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) are seeking the public’s help after a dog was stolen from the Exeter Animal Shelter.
Police say the South County Trail facility was broken into after hours on Wednesday, July 19, and the suspect made off with an adult female “pit bull type dog” that’s gray and brown.
A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the identification of the suspect and return of the stolen dog, according to the RISPCA.
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“We have no leads at this point, and we’re concerned about the safety of the dog,” RISPCA Special Agent Earl Newman said.
According to Newman, they believe the suspect was trying to steal back a different dog that was seized as part of an animal cruelty investigation. He said the unspayed female may have been part of a breeding operation and valuable to the person from which she was seized.
Newman said the dog that was stolen has been up for adoption for several months. She was surrendered to the shelter by her owner, who was moving and couldn’t keep her.
“It seems very unusual that someone would have broken in to steal this dog in particular,” Newman said.
“The suspect definitely had a more nefarious purpose for stealing this dog,” he added.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Hope Valley Barracks at (401) 444-1068 or RISPCA’s Division of Law Enforcement at (401) 438-8150. Tips may be submitted anonymously.