Stolen dog returned to animal shelter after surveillance photos released

METHUEN, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The MSPCA says a dog stolen from their Nevins Farm location was returned Wednesday after the release of surveillance images showing a man walking away with the animal.

MSPCA officials say the man returned the 7-year-old beagle named Sophie to the shelter. They say the man and his wife are both facing larceny charges for the Saturday afternoon theft. Their names were not released.

Investigators previously said the unidentified man, believed to be in his 60s, may have brought his own leash, and took Sophie out the center's back door. Both the man and his wife then got into a silver Jeep Liberty and drove off.

The theft is actually the second beagle and third dog taken this year, shelter staff said, though the other dogs were all returned anonymously to the farm's outdoor area within 48 hours of being taken. The farm's director said the couple may have tried to steal a beagle before.

"They clearly did their homework and knew the layout of the adoption center and how to escape with a dog without being seen by staff," said Mike Keiley, the director at Nevins Farm, in a statement.

Cox Media Group