DOGS STOLEN FROM SHELTER; REWARD OFFERED FOR RETURN

Three dogs were stolen from the Southeast Missouri Humane Society, whose director believes they will be used for dog fighting.

Two pit bulls and a Rottweiler were taken sometime between Thursday night and Friday morning from the Humane Society at 2536 Boutin Drive, police said.

Considering the breeds of dogs stolen, Humane Society director Debbie Ann Litzelfelner is certain the thieves only wanted dogs typically used for fights.

"We have other purebreds out here that were not taken," Litzelfelner said. "They just walked past their pens."

A fence on the north side of the facility had been cut to allow the burglars to get in, police said.

The pit bulls, both males, are named "Crash" and "Jedi" by shelter workers. Both are a year old, and "Crash" has one blue eye and one brown eye. "Jedi" has a limp in his left front leg. Both have white and brindled coloration.

The third dog, a female Rottweiler named "Jasmine," is about a year old without any distinguishing characteristics, Litzelfelner said.

This was the first time more than one adult dog had been stolen from the Humane Society.

"We lost some lab mix puppies in the past year," Litzelfelner said. "Unfortunately they are easy to put under a coat and walk off with."

Another pit bull was stolen last summer, Litzelfelner said.

The isolated location of the Humane Society is a disadvantage, she said, and during this time of year dogs are allowed to go in and out of their kennels.

Volunteers are repairing the hole in the fence while looking at other security measures. Police have suggested purchasing a fence with a sensor that sounds an alarm when touched, but without financial assistance Litzelfelner said it would be hard to get.

An anonymous donor has offered a $500 reward for the dogs' safe return.