The Stark County Humane Society is working with local law enforcement after two individuals allegedly unlawfully reclaimed a stray Belgian Malinois from the shelter over the weekend.
According to the Humane Society, the dog was brought into the shelter as a stray on Friday, Dec. 27, without tags or a microchip. Staff posted the dog as a “found dog” on the shelter’s Facebook page that evening. The next morning, two men arrived at the shelter to claim the dog, presenting identification and allowing staff to photograph the animal before it was handed over.
Subsequent investigation revealed the men were not the dog’s rightful owners. The pair have reportedly stated they gave the dog to another individual claiming to be its owner.
The Stark County Humane Society has filed a police report with the Stark County Sheriff’s Department and notified the Canton Police Department, as well as the Canton City Prosecutor’s Office. Charges are expected to be filed Monday, Dec. 30.
Through social media, the Humane Society has received information suggesting this may be part of a recurring scam involving individuals falsely claiming stray dogs from shelters in the region. The organization’s priority is the safe return of the Belgian Malinois to its rightful family.
Anyone with information about this incident or the individuals involved is urged to contact the Stark County Humane Society at 330-453-5529 or the Stark County Sheriff’s Department at 330-430-3800.
