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Bainbridge Animal Shelter Recovers Missing Pit Bulls; Former Owner Facing Charges

Cathy Ellsworth
/
Bainbridge Humane Society Volunteer
Douglas (gray and white) and Carmel (red) have been returned to the Bainbridge, GA animal shelter

Two dogs stolen from a Bainbridge, Georgia animal shelter have been returned. Shelter staff say they’re relieved to have the animals back.

The dogs were returned to the shelter Tuesday morning, says the Bainbridge Humane Society’s Ashley White. The previous owner of one of the dogs, Douglas, has been arrested and charged with theft and property damage. Douglas was picked up by animal control four months ago.

“We understand accidents happen," said White. "Dogs get loose and we’re more than happy to return them back to a home that wants them. We don’t want to keep them here, we want them in homes. It could have been a simple reclaim process and it could have been that easy. But instead, this guy decided to damage property and trespass and do things the incorrect way.”

Trying to "reclaim" his dog and another, Carmel, will now cost the man far more than the fee charged by the animal shelter.

White says owners can reclaim their animals by paying a fee that covers shots and other incidentals.

The shelter received several tips Monday. Douglas and Carmel were found safe and unharmed in a Bainbridge residential neighborhood.

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.