Police: 3 Sick Dogs Stolen From Long Island Pet Rescue

MIDDLE ISLAND, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Police are looking for three sick dogs snatched from a Long Island pet rescue this week and the thief or thieves who took them.

As CBS 2's Dave Carlin reported, the dogs, which are also blind, are in desperate need of medication.

Police say that early Monday morning, while Friends of Freddie Pet Rescue was closed, someone broke in through the door, went to a pen and then made off with the dogs -- Louie, Ollie and Thyme.

"They're dogs that need help and need loving homes," said Barbara Sanelli, director of Friends of Freddie Pet Rescue.

The bandit or bandits tried to take five dogs in all, but two of the animals managed to get away.

"I think they dropped the ones they couldn't hold, and they took what they could get," Sanelli said.

Sanelli said she found Duchess, a 5-year-old Shih Tzu cowering in the parking lot after the crime. Pablo, a 7-year-old poodle, was missing until someone found him on the streets and turned him in.

"It's cold, and it's raining, and the other dogs, we're just hoping that they're in shelter, they have food, and they're staying dry," said volunteer Linda Deaguiar.

Police are going through surveillance video, which has not been released, to check out those who showed interest in the animals Sunday.

"The lowest form of life there is," Sanelli said. "We have an idea of who it is, and they're investigating."

This is not the first time someone stole a dog from Friends of Freddie Pet Rescue. Last June, Justin Geiger, 23, saw a Rottweiler puppy at the rescue during business hours, then returned after hours to steal the dog, breaking the door, police said.

Geiger was arrested at his home. The dog was returned and later adopted.

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