BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The Bellingham Police Department is investigating after a woman was seen on surveillance video breaking into the Whatcom Humane Society and stealing a dog.
According to the humane society, the woman gained access to its Division Street shelter in Bellingham by cutting through an exterior fence at around 11:41 p.m. on Dec. 1. The woman reportedly broke a locked steel dog kennel door, removed a dog and left the property by cutting through another outdoor fence.
The stolen dog was a 1-year-old hound mix who had been in the care of the shelter for a couple of weeks after arriving as a stray.
Police said staff realized the dog, named Pogo, was missing the next morning. Staff received an "interesting call" earlier that day from someone inquiring about the dog and claimed to know the former owner without providing any details, according to the humane society.
Police said the woman caused an estimated $4,000 in damage. The incident is being investigated as second-degree burglary, third-degree theft and malicious mischief.
The humane society asks if anyone can help identify this person to please contact (360) 733-2080 ext # 3026 or email: director@whatcomhumane.org.