Dogs stolen, turned loose into traffic
Stoughton, MA (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Jul 27, 2011
County: Norfolk

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Pamela Dowd

A search has been launched to find a missing dog after a 44-year-old woman was charged with breaking the lock on a fence at Stoughton Groomers on Wednesday night, stealing one dog and releasing eight others to run into traffic on Route 27.

One of the canines, a 3-year-old black and white havanese named Happy, is still missing, according its owner, Jim Bannister. Anyone with information about the dog is asked to contact Stoughton police at 781-344-2424.

Animal Control Officer Michael Gormaley said at 4 p.m. Thursday that Happy had been spotted west of Washington Street, south of Morton Street and north of Lloyd Animal Medical Center. "Everyone in town" has been made aware of the search, Gormaley said.

A terrier mix named Snoopy was struck by a car and had to be euthanized at the Westbridge Veterinary Hospital, according to Scott Holyoke, who owns Stoughton Groomers. The other seven dogs were recovered safely.

Pamela Dowd of 1247 Park St. was arrested on charges of breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, disorderly conduct, larceny from a building, larceny of more than $250, receiving stolen property and two counts of animal cruelty, said Executive Officer Robert Devine. Police said Dowd was drunk when she broke the lock and entered the dogs' play area at about 9 p.m. on Wednesday. She was to be arraigned Thursday afternoon in Stoughton District Court.

Holyoke opened the dog-grooming business at 883 Park St. about 18 months ago. He also boards dogs for customers. Police said Dowd broke the lock and took at least one dog. The open gate allowed the others to escape and run free.

"These are my kids," Holyoke said of the dogs let loose. "It was like my five children were running around on Route 27 at 9 o'clock at night."

References

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