In Oklahoma (United States), 3 dogs who were receiving treatment at a veterinary clinic were found safe and sound and returned to their families after being stolen by 2 young burglars, reported KSWO on Sunday August 2.
The theft took place on Thursday July 30, 2026. That evening, 2 individuals entered the clinic Minson's Veterinary Hospital has Duncan. They had taken away 3 canine patients called Opie, Pepper And Grace. They also seized 2 funeral urns containing the ashes of pets and various goods: a mini-fridge, bags of dog food, anti-parasitic treatments, leashes, a computer used for dental x-rays of animals, etc.
Call for witnesses and mobilization
The day after, Crime Stoppers of SW Oklahoma issued a call for witnesses via social media, inviting anyone with information to contact the organization or the police. Duncan.
“ It's just not okay to steal someone's pet. They are part of the family. It's almost like kidnapping a child », Confided then Sharon Rhodesthe mistress of Pepper.
The investigation continued over the following days. The local community massively relayed the wanted notice.
On Sunday, August 2, around 4 a.m., the triggering of an alarm signaling an attempted burglary in a business in the city alerted the police. Arriving on the scene, the police spotted 2 minor suspects who immediately fled. The officers were able to locate them in a neighboring home, which they searched with the agreement of the owner of the premises.
The fugitives were thus found and arrested. On site, the speakers discovered Grace, Opie And Peppersafe and sound, as well as part of the property stolen from the clinic and during other burglaries.
“We went from deep sorrow to immense joy”
The 3 dogs were quickly returned to their owners. “ Pepper was so happy to see metell Sharon Rhodes. She was in a room with five or six police officers who had obviously been playing games with her. You could see that they were all very happy that she was safe and sound. When I came around the corner, she immediately lunged at me. »
duncanok.gov
“ We were heartbroken. We went from deep sorrow to immense joy at finally knowing he was back home. », declares, for his part, Margie Baileythe mistress ofOpie.
As for Chloe Greenowner of Graceshe said to herself “ infinitely grateful that they are all in good health. Pepper, Gracie and Opie will now be friends for a very long time “. She was on vacation at the time of the theft and was preparing to return to Oklahoma to see her dog again. She plans to meet the families of the other 2 dogs.
For their part, the police are still trying to recover the missing property, in particular the funeral urns.
Woopets info: Can a dog have after-effects after being kidnapped?
A dog found after a theft may need time to get back into his habits. Even if no physical injury is visible, the animal may have experienced a very stressful situation and may be showing temporary behavioral changes.
After a traumatic event, some dogs may become more fearful, more clingy towards their owners, lose their appetite or have trouble sleeping. Reconnecting with old habits and benchmarks, patience and a calm environment generally promote their return to balance.
If signs of anxiety persist or intensify, an appointment with the veterinarian can rule out an underlying health problem and provide advice on possible behavioral support.