News

Actions

Man says two service dogs stolen, dumped in park miles away

Posted at 9:15 PM, Oct 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-21 09:48:05-04

They are safe and sound now, but two service dogs have quite a tale to tell after their owners believe they were abducted and dumped miles away Thursday.

The dogs, Wrinkles and Cha-Cha, got out of their yard near 59th Avenue and Indian School around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Their owners, Yadira and Eduardo Quintero began searching the neighborhood.

Minutes turned into hours without any sign of the Shar-Pei service animals.

"I offered a reward, to get them back, I specifically said they were service dogs, they are very important to us to get back," said Yadira Quintero.

The Quinteros say the dogs are a part of the family they also serve and important role.

"I have panic attacks, and they help me get through that moment, so that's what so important to have them, even last night because I was looking for them, I went through two," said Yadira.

Yadira posted a missing flyer online and shortly after a tip came in.

The dogs were spotted two miles away in a west Phoenix park near 67th Avenue and Campbell.

"We found Wrinkles, he was in shock, he was scared, and he did not want to be touched in that moment," said Eduardo.

The tipster also revealed, she saw a man dump the dogs and take off.

Cha-Cha was picked up by animal control, but she was badly injured. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control said she was hit by a vehicle.

Cha-Cha has a gash on head and a possibly broken leg.

"My heart was broken, when I saw that, I was like "Oh my God," said Yadira. “The eye was completely out, I had to put it back in with my hand."

Now, both Cha-Cha and Wrinkles are safe and sound.

The tipster says the man who dumped the dogs is a Hispanic male, thin build, with black hair and black mustache. He was driving an older, silver or grey pickup truck.