Columbia, SC: Local Dog Walker Arrested for Dognapping

Columbia, SC: Local Dog Walker Arrested for DognappingColumbia, SC: Local Dog Walker Arrested for Dognapping Columbia, South Carolina – A local dog walker has been arrested and charged with dognapping after three dogs in her care went missing. 32-year-old Sarah Jones was apprehended by Columbia Police on Tuesday following an investigation into the disappearance of the canines. The dogs, a golden retriever, a Labrador retriever, and a beagle, had been in her care for a week when they vanished. Concerned owners contacted the police after Jones failed to return their pets or provide a satisfactory explanation for their whereabouts. A subsequent search of her residence uncovered evidence linking her to the disappearance. According to the arrest warrant, Jones allegedly sold the dogs to an out-of-state buyer for a profit of $1,500. She reportedly admitted to police that she had financial difficulties and saw the dogs as a quick way to make money. “This is a despicable crime that has caused immeasurable grief to the victims,” said Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook. “We will not tolerate such callous behavior in our community.” Jones was charged with three counts of grand larceny and three counts of possession of stolen property. She was denied bond and is currently being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. The victims expressed both anger and disbelief over the incident. “We trusted her with our beloved companions, and she betrayed that trust in the most heartless way,” said Susan Williams, the beagle’s owner. “We hope the justice system deals with her severely,” added David Johnson, the golden retriever’s owner. The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of the dogs to come forward.