**provided by the Timmins and District Humane Society**

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Timmins, ON (July 27, 2018) – The Timmins and District Humane Society is looking for the public’s assistance in regard to two stolen puppies.

During the early morning hours of July 27, 2018 unknown suspects broke into the Timmins and District Humane Society, located on Mahoney Road, and managed to remove the two puppies from their kennels. These 8-week-old, female, mixed breed pups, known as Paris and Azur, were scheduled to go to their new families on July 30, 2018.

The puppies are described as Labrador/German Shepherd/Boxer mixes. Azur is tan in colour, while Paris is tan with black markings. Members of the public may recognize these puppies as part of the litter of six that came in on July 13, 2018 with their mom, found abandoned in an apartment building stairwell.

Recently, the Timmins and District Humane Society received criticism regarding the City of Timmins’ animal control policies and bylaws. At this time, the Society is unsure if the theft of these puppies is an act of retaliation as a result of online commentary.

“What these people do not realize is that these puppies were about to go to loving, forever families,” said Society manager Alicia Santamaria. “While the staff and volunteers at TDHS are devastated by what has occurred, the real victims of this crime are the puppies and the families who were excited to welcome them into their homes.”

Timmins Police Service has been contacted and the investigation into the situation is ongoing. Anyone with any information regarding Paris and Azur’s whereabouts are asked to contact the police at 705-264-1201. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

For more information, please contact:

Alicia Santamaria

Timmins and District Humane Society manager

705-264-1816