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Dognapping On The Rise, One Pup Returns Home
By
Jen Carlson
Published Apr 26, 2010
Modified Apr 26, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Apr 26, 2010
Modified Apr 26, 2010
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On April 13th a 4-year-old Cocker Spaniel named Thompy was stolen from a Boerum Hill Deli. His human, Jon Crawford-Phillips, had tied him outside when he dropped into the establishment around 8:30 that night.
Somewhat surprisingly, the pup's story has a happy ending. Today the Brooklyn Paper reports that Crawford-Phillips conducted a stakeout in Red Hook after a tipster mentioned seeing the dog being walked in the neighborhood. Upon seeing Thompy with his own eyes, he called the police and they approached the dog's new owner, who allegedly bought him on a street 10 days earlier. The new owners wouldn't say where or from whom they purchased the dog, however.
Maybe now people will think twice about leaving their dogs tied up on the street, even if it's just for 30 seconds? Crawford-Phillips says, “[My family and I] are going to be much more vigilant. I already thought that we were being safe and careful, but we have to be more aware if there’s a guy out there trying to take dogs.” Recently the Today Show looked at the recent rise in dognappings, and what to do to avoid becoming a victim. Rule #4: "Never leave your dog tied up outside a store or restaurant."
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boerum hill
brooklyn
dognapping
Thompy
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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