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Jan 2, 2009 7:20 pm US/Central
Pilfered Poodle Pup Placed Back In Plano Pet Shop
PLANO (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
The falling economy is driving criminals to commit canine capers.
Thefts of dogs are on the rise.
On Thursday, pet store Plano Pets had a dog stolen during business hours -- and right in front of security cameras.
"We had two customers walk into the store and take a look at one of our poodles," said Chip Beitel, the store's owner. "The young lady opened the top of the kennel then walked away."
She then put the 10-week-old dog in the bag she was carrying and left.
Even though the store is lined with security cameras, it didn't stop the dognappers.
And at only two pounds, the toy poodle is not only easy to walk out with, she's also very susceptible to illness without the right diet.
"When puppies are that small they can go hypoglycemic," Beitel said, "so we're kind of concerned."
The American Kennel Club says dog thefts have skyrocketed as the economy has plummeted.
No wonder, when just one poodle is worth $900.
But Beitel says it's not just the money. "She's quite an expensive little poodle, but that's not what we're concerned with, we're mostly concerned about her health."
Pet experts say to protect your pets from crooks, don't leave your animal unattended in a car or front yard.
And see your vet about implanting a microchip in your pet for a permanent identification tag.
An update, on Saturday Plano Pets annouced the pooch had been returned to the store after numerous calls and emails after seeing the report of the missing dog.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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