Photo: RCMP

A Kamloops family is relieved to have its puppy back after the dog was taken while they were visiting Kelowna.

RCMP Const. Jesse O’Donaghey says the family left their English Setter "Bailey" in the truck bed of their vehicle while they shopped at Costco on Friday. However, when they returned, they discovered Bailey was gone.

"Witnesses at the scene told the family that an unknown man had taken their dog, and provided a detailed description of the male suspect, who the family recognized as being in the area prior,” said O’Donaghey.

RCMP were called to the scene and did an extensive search of the area, but couldn't find the man or the dog.

The following morning, while on routine patrol, the lead investigator located and questioned a man matching the suspect's description in the area of Highway 97 and Underhill Street.
 
According to O’Donaghey, the 56-year-old Kelowna man admitted to being at Costco on Friday, and he was subsequently arrested for the alleged theft.

“We learned that the man reportedly observed the puppy in distress, removed the puppy from the back of the vehicle and took the puppy to his residence with the intention of delivering the animal to the SPCA.”

The puppy was reunited with its family, by Const. Wyatt Wright.

"Bailey was obviously a beloved part of their family, (they) were all extremely ecstatic to have him return home," said Wright.

No charges are recommended at this time, however O’Donaghey reminds the public what to do if you witness a dog in distress:

• Ask nearby stores to page their customers
• Call the B.C. SPCA animal cruelty hotline at 1-855-6BC-SPCA (1-855-622-7722)
• Call your local animal control
• Contact your local police department

"Please don't take matters into your own hands and leave the scene with the animal," he said.

"Police would also like to remind the public to consider registering their pets with permanent identification, such as a microchip or tattoo. Doing so will assist police in confirming the dog's identity, and greatly increase the likelihood the dog will be reunited with its guardians."