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4 Of 9 Puppies Returned After Stolen From Sterling Shelter

STERLING (CBS) - Update 9:15 p.m.

Worcester police have arrested one person in connection to the theft of puppies from an animal shelter in Sterling. Four of the nine puppies that were taken sometime overnight Wednesday to Thursday have been returned through an anonymous tip. No further information is available at this time.

WBZ-TV's Paul Burton reports.

From 12:15 p.m.

Police in Sterling are looking for the thieves who stole nine puppies from a local shelter.

Employees say on Thursday morning, they found a kennel door kicked in at the Animal Shelter Inc. on Laurelwood Road.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports

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They believe the crime occurred Wednesday night after the shelter closed.

The shelter says all nine stolen puppies had just been spayed or neutered and were recovering from the surgery.

"This is a life or death issue with them having surgery and needing the follow up care. The vet was going to check them this morning before they went up for adoption," said shelter director Leigh Grady.

Some were on antibiotics for medical issues.

The puppies were all rescues from the Southern U.S. At least four were scheduled to be sent to the Animal Rescue League in Dedham for adoption.

Animal Shelter Inc. is offering a reward for any information that could help police catch these canine crooks. "I'm personally offering $1,000 reward out of my own pocket," said Grady. She is worried the dogs could be used in dog fights or sold over the internet.

She's asking anyone who knows anything about the crime to email her at Leigh13@ix.netcom.com or call her cell phone 978-423-1467.

Puppies Stolen
Both of these puppies were also stolen Wednesday. (credit: Sterling Animal Shelter)
Puppies Stolen
The two dogs on the right were stolen on Wednesday. (credit: Sterling Animal Shelter)
Puppies Stolen
The two puppies on the left were stolen on Wednesday. (credit: Sterling Animal Shelter)
Puppies Stolen
The black puppy on the left was stolen Wednesday. (credit: Sterling Animal Shelter)
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