A 4-month-old puppy named Chico is at the center of an unfolding drama at the Austin Humane Society, where staff says a woman slipped the tiny terrier mix into her purse and walked out through a staff-only door Tuesday evening. The black-and-brown wire-haired pup, who weighs about 7 pounds and had been at the shelter for roughly a day awaiting a neuter surgery, was discovered missing only after workers reviewed security footage.
How staff say the puppy heist unfolded
According to CBS Austin, the woman arrived at the Anderson Lane shelter around 5:30 p.m., filled out a standard adoption application, and was placed in a visitation room to meet Chico. Staff later determined the contact information on the application was unusable, and surveillance video shows the woman leaving through a volunteer-and-staff-only exit at about 6:20 p.m., carrying a large black tote close to her body.
What the shelter is asking and what was reported
“We just want to see Chico come back to us safely,” Austin Humane Society President and CEO Frances Jonon said, per CBS Austin. The shelter says Chico is microchipped and that the incident has been reported both to the microchip company and to the Austin Police Department.
Anyone with information, or anyone wishing to quietly return Chico, may contact the Austin Humane Society at 512-646-7387 or [email protected]. AHS says Chico can be brought back to the shelter during operating hours with no questions asked.
What to look for and how to report tips
Security footage shows the woman wearing a camouflage-patterned T-shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers, while holding a large black tote bag close to her torso, according to the shelter. If you believe you spot Chico or the woman, do not approach. Call the Austin Police Department non-emergency line at 3-1-1 (or 512-974-2000 from outside Austin) and alert the Austin Humane Society at 512-646-7387 so staff and officers can follow up safely.
The Austin Police Department's general contact and non-emergency information are available on the city's website.
