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Found: Theft Of Two Pit Bulls From Bainbridge, GA Shelter Has Staff Worried For Their Safety

Cathy Ellsworth
/
Bainbridge Humane Society Volunteer

Two pit bulls have been stolen from a South Georgia animal shelter, and the hunt is on to figure out who took them.

Update: The dogs were returned to the shelter, Tuesday, 2/23/16. Douglas' former owner is facing theft, property damage and trespassing charges. Read more here.

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Original Story: Shelter workers noticed the fence to the outside kennel was cut and the dogs were missing around 8 a.m. Friday.

The missing pit bills are a male and female named Douglass and Carmel. Douglass is gray and white, and Carmel is a reddish-brown. The Bainbridge Humane Society’s Ashley White says both dogs came to the shelter in good health a few months ago—Douglas was found wandering by animal control, and Carmel was surrendered by her previous owners when they couldn’t keep her.

Credit Cathy Ellsworth / Bainbridge Humane Society Volunteer
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Bainbridge Humane Society Volunteer
Douglas, the second of two pit bulls stolen from the Bainbridge, GA Humane Society animal shelter

Now White fears whoever stole the dogs may try to use them for fighting.

“They’re both very well mannered animals," she said. "We’re concerned if they realize that they weren’t going to be dogs for that purpose, they would harm them.”

White says dog fighting in South Georgia is a problem and she says it’s possible whoever took the dogs could have crossed the state line.

The shelter is offering a reward for information that leads to the people responsible for the theft and their arrest. Information can be sent to  1-229-246-0101 or email at BainbridgeDCHS@bellsouth.net.

The loss of the dogs has hurt the shelter's staff and its volunteers, who say they consider the animals part of the family.

Follow @HatterLynn

Lynn Hatter is a Florida A&M University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lynn has served as reporter/producer for WFSU since 2007 with education and health care issues as her key coverage areas.  She is an award-winning member of the Capital Press Corps and has participated in the NPR Kaiser Health News Reporting Partnership and NPR Education Initiative. 

Find complete bio, contact info, and more stories here.