Police have recovered a fifth beagle that had been reported stolen from Lakeshore property back in early June.
The Ontario Provincial Police announced on Friday the dog, along with seven puppies, was located at an unspecified location in Windsor and has since been returned to the owner.
This dog was among seven reported missing from a property on Lions Club Road in Lakeshore on June 5. Two beagles are still missing and there is a concern for their well-being, police said.
The dogs were previously the focus of a grassroots group that claimed the animals were being abused. The group organized protests at the Lakeshore property and outside Windsor-Essex municipal buildings, calling for changes in kenneling and animal tethering regulations.
The Municipality of Lakeshore had confirmed that provincial animal welfare officers were called to investigate the allegations of abuse. There has been no public word on their findings.
Anyone with information regarding the location of the remaining two dogs or their theft is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
-With files from Mark Brown
Puppies recovered during a dog theft investigation. (Photo courtesy of the OPP)