Four-legged kidnapping victim recovered

A kidnapping victim is back home, safe and sound, but he could use a little help with his medical bills.

Hazard, a 7-year-old pit bull terrier, and Sylvie, a 9-month-old American Staffordshire terrier, went missing Aug. 2 from the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri after an apparent burglary.

Humane society employees reported the fences containing the dogs had been cut, and the dogs were gone.

Sylvie was back at the humane society by Aug. 19, but Hazard was returned to the organization only recently.

The dogs were "in pretty good spirits" after their misadventures, but Hazard tested positive for heartworms, said Cheryl Ellis, humane society director.

"We are going to try to raise money to get him treated," Ellis said.

The treatment will cost about $500, she said. Donations may be made by clicking the "donate" button on the humane society's website, semopets.org, and indicating the donation is for Hazard's treatment, Ellis said.

She said Hazard had not been tested for heartworms before his disappearance, so there is no way to know whether he had them before he was stolen.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department reported Thursday it has identified two suspects and submitted charges to the Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney's office in connection with the theft of the dogs.

Darin Hickey, public information officer for the Cape Girardeau Police Department, said the suspects could face charges of burglary and felony stealing.

"When you steal a domestic animal in the state of Missouri, it is a felony," he said.

Hazard and Sylvie are both available for adoption, Ellis said.

"They're both really, really good dogs," she said.

Sylvie, a young, active dog that likes to play, might be too energetic for small children, Ellis said.

"Probably Silvey wouldn't be ideal for younger kids, simply because they might get knocked down," she said.

Ellis described Hazard as "more laid-back."

epriddy@semissourian.com

388-3642

Help Hazard

To contribute money toward Hazard's heartworm treatment or to find out more about adopting Hazard, Sylvie or another animal, visit semopets.org.