Press

Suspect Who Allegedly Stole Puppy from San Francisco SPCA Now in Police Custody

Suspect in dog-napping incident facing two felony charges

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF., Dec 2 2011: One of the two suspects who allegedly stole a puppy, James, from the San Francisco SPCA on November 8 is now in custody and facing two felony charges. A surveillance camera inside the Adoption Center captured photographs of the suspects, a couple accompanied by a young child. Shortly after the crime was committed, the SF SPCA released the photographs to the media, and a California parole officer recognized the male suspect as one of his parolees.

Ed and James visit the SF SPCA Veterinary Hospital

James and his new dad, Ed Garcia, visit the SF SPCA Veterinary Hospital at the Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center for James' first post-adoption exam.

"We hope this case serves as a lesson to anyone who considers committing such a crime in the future," said SF SPCA co-president Jason Walthall. "Abducting an animal is a serious crime that can result in felony charges, and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law."

James, a mixed breed puppy, was 8 weeks old when he was abducted from the SF SPCA. He had already been adopted and was scheduled to go home with his new family just hours after he was stolen. The following day, he was returned unharmed by a woman claiming to have purchased him outside a grocery store.

James and the family who rightfully adopted him were reunited the day that he was returned. He's healthy, happy, and enjoying life at his new home.

The San Francisco Police Department is handling this case, #110-902-526.