Lucy the stolen black Labrador puppy returned to Cleveland APL after tip received

CLEVELAND - The about-to-be-adopted puppy that was stolen from the Cleveland APL earlier this week has been returned.

The Cleveland Animal Protective League said it received a tip about a possible lead in the case, and called police.

Humane Investigative officers, accompanied by Cleveland police officers, followed the tip and recovered Lucy, an 8 week old, 8 1/2-pound black Labrador. The APL said the dog was taken by someone at about 4:30 p.m. last Saturday while a family was in the process of adopting her.

“A second person saw her, picked her up, and inquired about her. She was told by an APL team member that the puppy was in the process of being adopted. Shortly after that, it was discovered that the puppy was gone,” said Sharon Harvey, CEO and president of the Cleveland APL, on Thursday.

Friday morning, Cleveland police and APL officers brought the puppy back to the APL. Lucy was checked by APL veterinary staff and initially found to be in good condition. 

The family waiting for the return of Lucy was contacted and will finish the adoption process tomorrow morning.

Police have not yet said if any arrests have been made in the case. Cleveland APL will consider what steps it may take against the person who took the puppy.

Keep checking newsnet5.com for more information.