Puppy stolen from Fall River pet store

FALL RIVER, Mass. — A pet store owner says he only wants a puppy returned after two men were caught on surveillance stealing the 8-week old pup.

"How people can just come in here and just take something, it's sad,” said owner Mike Marabello.

The video shows a man scope out the kennels at Fish Bowl Aquarium and Pet Mart Thursday while employees are busy with customers. One man then enters the employees-only door, disappearing from the surveillance camera as he snatches the small white puppy, then makes a beeline for the door.

“He had him here in his hand and he just tucked him under the coat as he was walking out,” said Marabello.

The 2.8 pound Havanese-Westie mix had only been in his kennel for a matter of hours, arriving the night before.

“They're puppies; they're like newborns. So you get him outside, that dog's not going to make it. He's going to get sick quickly, and that'll be the end of him,” he said.

At just 8 weeks old, the stolen puppy still needs shots and special care.

“We don't know how this dog is doing, whether it's being sold or whether they got it for somebody. We hope the dog is okay, but that's what we're worried about now,” he said.

Police are investigating the theft. But Marabello isn't concerned about pressing charges if the dog is returned unharmed.

“Just trying to get the dog back to make sure he's okay and get his shots and get him what he needs and get him back, that's what we're hoping for,” he said.

Anyone with information should contact the Fall River Police.

Cox Media Group