Stolen pup returned; police continue to search for couple

ATLANTA - The pup stolen from the Fulton County Animal Shelter has been returned, but the woman seen picking up the dog, putting it under her coat, and walking out the door is still at large.

Atlanta Police said whoever returned the 2-year-old Yorkshire Terrier mix named Linda Friday were much more aware of the security cameras at the shelter than the woman seen on camera snatching the pup was on Sunday afternoon.

Police said the man rode up in a car to the shelter, out of view of the cameras and returned the dog to a shelter worker before making a quick exit.

Sunday, a woman and man were seen walking through the shelter located on Marietta Boulevard. The woman was seen placing Linda, who had already been adopted out, under her coat and walking out the door.

When Linda’s new forever family came to pick her up, employees were shocked to find her missing. They quickly reviewed the surveillance video and police said that’s when they discovered the dognapping.

Police said  the dog is in great condition, but the return of the dog does not end the case. Investigators said they are follow up on Crime Stopper tips and do plan to charge the suspects when they are found.

The woman is described as being blond, in her 20s, wearing a black coat, dark leggings, and dark fur-lined boots. She was accompanied by a man, also appearing to be in his 20s, with short brown hair, a tall slender build, and was last seen wearing a dark green shirt, jeans, and a Northface jacket.

Police said the couple was in the shelter no more than 10 minutes.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Atlanta Crime Stoppers.