The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft and death of two adult miniature beagle dogs that occurred in January 2018.
The male and pregnant female are believed to have been taken from private property located south of Hamilton.
Sheriff Holton said in a press release that the two dogs were found dead and dumped in the Lake Como area in late March.
Investigators believe the female had delivered and nursed the puppies, which are believed to be approximately 7 to 8 weeks old now.
Sheriff Holton said Deputy Jason Liechty is the lead investigator for the case and there has been evidence collected that will help link the perpetrators to the crimes.
Sheriff Holton said, "Deputy Liechty has done a tremendous amount of work on this case, and we are confident that if we can be lead to the right suspect or suspects we will have enough evidence to charge the crimes of felony theft and aggravated animal cruelty."
He also said, "Right now, we are hoping that someone in our community will know who is responsible for these crimes, and that they will notify us of their suspicions".
Sheriff Holton asks that anyone with information contact the RCSO at 406-363-3033. Anonymous tips can be made through the Ravalli County Sheriff’s App for mobile devices, or by calling Five Valley Crime Stoppers at 406-721-4444.
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