LYNCHBURG, Va. – UPDATE - April 1, 2022
The Amherst County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a woman who allegedly stole a puppy from a Lynchburg shelter earlier this week.
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On Thursday, authorities arrested Jessica Yvonne Moore on outstanding warrants out of Amherst County after receiving a tip related to the theft of the dog from the Lynchburg Humane Society.
After officers arrived at a home off of Izaak Walton Road in Madison Heights, they discovered Moore in possession of the stolen dog.
Jersey, a 4.5-pound Chihuahua mix, was found safe and given back to the Lynchburg Humane Society where he would eventually be given to a new family.
Moore has been charged with larceny of certain animals and poultry, a Class 5 felony.
UPDATE - March 31, 2022
The Lynchburg Humane Society says the puppy that was stolen earlier this week has been found safe.
We’re told that someone tipped Amherst County Animal Control that Jersey, the puppy, was at an Amherst County home.
Officials say the $1,000 reward will go to Amherst County Animal Control.
10 News has reached out to the animal shelter to determine if the person who stole the puppy will face any charges.
ORIGINAL STORY - March 30, 2022
The Lynchburg Humane Society is asking for the public’s help in finding a stolen animal Tuesday.
The animal shelter released a statement along with photos of the puppy in a plea for help, saying, in part: “Lynchburg we need your help! We had something occur today that has never happened before at LHS.”
The male puppy is two months old and weighs about 4.5 pounds. He’s a Beagle-Chihuahua mix named Jersey. They are trying to get him back to the family that was supposed to adopt him Wednesday.
“We’re not going to lock down our puppy area, we’re not going to screen everyone who walks in the door,” Claire Lefew with the Humane Society said. “We trust the community and we trust that the person that took him has the best intentions. We just want him back. His family wants him back. We just want him back safely, no questions asked, no judgement.”
The Humane Society filed a police report Wednesday, but they don’t intend to press charges.
The Waterdog, a Lynchburg restaurant, is also offering a $1,000 reward for the return of Jersey.
Anyone with information on the puppy is asked to call 434-448-0088, ext 111, and leave a voicemail. You can also email laura@lynchburghumane.org.