2 dogs stolen from fenced business Vero Beach, FL (US) Incident Date: Tuesday, Jan 31, 2006 County: Indian River Local Map: available Disposition: Open Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Case ID: 7923 Classification: Theft Animal: dog (pit-bull) View more cases in FL (US) Reward: $1,000 Login to Watch this Case

Keith Smarrelli said his daily morning routine started by walking to a fenced-in area and feeding his two puppies named Chica and Loco. I'd whistle and they would come running towards me," said Smarrelli, 19, who owned the 4-month-old pit bull and boxer mix puppies for less than two months.

The Vero Beach resident's routine changed Feb. 27, 2006 after his whistle was followed by silence. He now spends his mornings and nights before and after work searching for the dogs he and police believe were stolen. Smarrelli said he is afraid the dogs may be in danger. "Why would anyone steal a dog unless you wanted to use them for the wrong reason?" Smarrelli said, adding he is worried the dogs could be in danger if someone is using them in a dog-fighting ring.
"They are like my best friends. After so long, you start to think if you are ever going to see them again."

Smarrelli bought the dogs in January 2006. He first obtained Loco from a friend and later got Chica. The dogs slept at his home for the first few weeks, but Smarrelli said the 30-pound animals needed to be able to run and exercise while they grew. Smarrelli told police he recently built a fence and doghouse at his uncle's business, America's Best Auto Body Shop Inc., 1705 10th Ave., where he also works. He started to leave the dogs in the fenced-in area a few weeks ago and checked on them throughout the day and night.

"I always would go out there and play with them. They would ride with me in the tow truck," he said. "They were very happy. I just want them back." The last time he saw them was about noon Feb. 26, 2006. The next morning he went to feed them and they were gone. There was no damage to the fence or signs of forced entry, according to the police report. Smarrelli now spends his free time going door-to-door in surrounding neighborhoods and asking people if they have seen his dogs. He also has posted fliers around town.

Lt. Daniel Cook of the Vero Beach Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and detectives are following up on leads. The puppies are brown, black and white, about 4 months old and are a mix between a pit bull and boxer. Anyone with information about the dogs can call police at (772) 978-4600 or Treasure Coast CrimeStoppers at (800) 273-TIPS (8477). Callers can stay anonymous. Information could be worth up to a $1,000 reward.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Vero Beach Police Dept
(772) 978-4600

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References

TC Palm News - March 8, 2006

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