Surveillance video showed a male grabbing the puppy from its cage and placing it under his shirt before running outside to meet with a group of people.
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Humane Society said a 9-week-old puppy has been found after being taken from its cage at the Portland shelter Monday night.
On Tuesday evening, the Oregon Humane Society confirmed Fireball, a female lab and pit bull mix that weighs approximately 10 pounds, was back.
“We are so grateful to Portland Police Bureau for their help in getting her back to us. We also appreciate all the tips we received from the public,” the organization said, sharing a photo of Fireball with the Oregon Humane Society’s admissions supervisor.
Surveillance video showed a group of young people entering the shelter around 7 p.m. One male was then seen grabbing the puppy from its cage and placing it under his shirt. He then ran out of the shelter and appeared to meet back up with the group in a parking lot before driving off.
Police confirmed they returned the puppy after receiving information on where Fireball was, a few hours after the Oregon Humane Society reported her stolen. The parent of one of the teenagers involved had called police and arranged the return.
The nonprofit offered a $500 reward for tips that led to a safe return of the puppy and a conviction.
“As you can imagine, our priority is to get Fireball back into our care as soon as possible,” OHS had said.
Anyone with information was urged to call Oregon Humane Society at 503-285-7722 or submit a tip to Portland Police at crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov.
Portland police said the investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been referred to the juvenile justice court, as of Wednesday afternoon.
