Case Snapshot
Case ID: 16811
Classification: Theft
Animal: dog (pit-bull)
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Friday, Nov 5, 2010

County: Garfield

Disposition: Open
Case Images: 2 files available

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Authorities are looking for clues in the apparent theft of two Pit Bull puppies from the Rifle Animal Shelter this past weekend.

According to shelter manager Heather Mullen, the facility, located at 569 County Road 265, was burglarized sometime during the night of Friday, Nov. 5.

Mullen discovered the two missing puppies, named Colt and Beretta, when she went to work Saturday morning. Upon her arrival, she found one of the shelter's windows was broken, the shelter was in disarray, and some minor vandalism, according to Mullen.

"They had thrown stuff all around the building," Mullen said.

Mullen thinks that the perpetrators knew specifically what they were doing, and were possibly targeting the two puppies.

"It seems like they broke in like they knew what they were coming for," Mullen said. "They broke in and got what they were here for, and left."

The intruders had also let out one of the shelter's other puppies which was running around inside the shelter when Mullen arrived Saturday.

"That is when I noticed that the two little pit bulls were stolen," she said.

The Garfield County Sheriff's Office responded to the call around 11 a.m. Saturday morning.

Garfield County Sheriff's officials have one suspect description. They're looking for a clean-cut, thin male with olive skin. He's described as 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall with an Afro hairstyle.

Mullen said that the two puppies had already been adopted to permanent homes, they were just awaiting neuter appointments before being picked up by the adoptive owners, Mullen said.

She said that it's unclear as to why anyone would specifically steal two pit bull puppies, but she is concerned for their safety.

"I don't know what their intentions are with them," Mullen said.

The Rifle Animal Shelter is offering a $500 reward for any information regarding the theft of these two puppies. Anyone with information can call the animal shelter at (970) 625-8808, or contact the Garfield County Sheriff's Office at (970) 945-0453. Garfield County Crime Stoppers is also offering a reward of up to $1,000. Call Garfield County Crime Stoppers at 970-945-0101 or report a tip online at
"We really want to find these puppies," Mullen said. "And we also want to find who did this."

But, Mullen's main concern is with the well-being of the puppies.

In the 30 years that the shelter has been operating, Mullen said this is the first burglary incident that she can recall, and it's a disturbing feeling for her.

"This is kind of the safe place for these guys," she said. "The fact that we were broken into and these puppies were stolen, that's disturbing to me."

If you have information on this case, please contact:
animal shelter at (970) 625-8808
Garfield County Sheriff's Office at (970) 945-0453.

References

  • « CO State Animal Cruelty Map
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