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'Vicious' dog stolen from Lodi shelter

No arrests made in stealing of pit bull

By Layla Bohm
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 6, 2006 6:33 AM PDT

Comments (77 comment(s))

A pit bull that had been declared vicious was discovered stolen from the Lodi animal shelter Monday morning.

The female dog, named Jewel, was one of 19 pit bulls the city seized in June while the police SWAT team served a warrant.

Police have made no arrests and animal control officials are working to improve security at the Ham Lane shelter, Lodi Police Lt. Bill Barry said.

Dog owners Mark Hurlbut and Danielle Costa could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday, and Hurlbut's phone was not accepting messages.

Five of the adult dogs have since been euthanized after an outside hearing officer deemed them vicious, but Costa then claimed ownership of two more adult dogs, as well as all 10 puppies.

After a hearing at which she, a friend and animal control officers testified, the two adult dogs were declared vicious but allowed to return to Costa's home as long as officers could inspect their kennels.

Costa also had a week to pay $6,000 in fees related to two months of care at the animal shelter, including a standard $8-a-day fee per dog since June 27, vaccinations, treatment for Parvovirus and spaying and neutering.

City Manager Blair King extended that deadline twice and the latest deadline came and went Friday at 5 p.m. with no word from Costa, Deputy City Attorney Janice Magdich said.

The dog was found missing at 7 a.m. Monday, when an animal shelter employee arrived to care for the dogs there, Magdich said.

The culprit apparently scaled a wall to the shelter, cut a lock on the kennel and took the dog, Barry said. He declined to discuss the status of the investigation, other than to say that "additional security measures are being taken."

Magdich still had not heard from Costa by close of business day Tuesday and said the other dog ruled vicious will be euthanized.

The puppies have all been spayed and neutered, and animal shelter employees are in the process of finding homes for them, Magdich said.

Contact reporter Layla Bohm at layla@lodinews.com.

First published: Wednesday, September 6, 2006

Reader Feedback

Lodian wrote on Sep 20, 2006 8:59 AM:

" voice of reason: How many different blog names have you used? "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 20, 2006 8:57 AM:

" Case in point... (September 19, 2006 8:54 PM). What a juvenile. LOL! "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 20, 2006 8:55 AM:

" Voice of reason: Come on now... Did you read my posts thoroughly? If you had you would have read that I never claimed to own the blog name (that's rather immature, don't you think?). I just always use one name out of courtesy, respect and ease of conversation and ask that others do the same. Hey, if you beat me to a blog and use "Lodian" fine, enjoy yourself if that's what thrills ya. Just don't impersonate me by interjecting in between my posts with idiotic responses. Get it, Voice of reason? "

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Voice of reason wrote on Sep 19, 2006 10:30 PM:

" To Lodian: The point that you think you own the rights to the name, "Lodian." Maybe you should have used something a little more original "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 19, 2006 8:54 PM:

" Who thinks they own the name lodian? Whatever!!!! "

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RPJ wrote on Sep 19, 2006 12:49 PM:

" Voice Of Reason: What makes you so sure that I'm so wrong? You haven't proved that the police department has handled this correctley. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 19, 2006 7:53 AM:

" Voice of reason: And what point is that? "

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Voice of reason wrote on Sep 19, 2006 4:21 AM:

" TO RPJ: I am 99.9% sure that you have no idea what you are talking about. That will be proven in days to come TO LODIAN: Drop it already we get you point "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 19, 2006 12:07 AM:

" RPJ: Don't care who you are not did I ask. Can't you explain how you arrived at such a statment that the police "...didn't work hard enough to find the dog. I'm 99.9% sure that the case has been dropped"? "

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Another Lodian wrote on Sep 18, 2006 5:03 PM:

" Someone better contact Call 3 problem solvers. Maybe they'll put it on the news and make Lodi P.D. feel dumbfounded. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 18, 2006 3:42 PM:

" RPJ: Hmmm, so mysterious. LOL! "

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RPJ wrote on Sep 18, 2006 11:51 AM:

" I'm not going to say who I am and how I know. I just hope if this ever happens again they will learn from there mistakes. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 18, 2006 9:47 AM:

" RPJ: I'm not saying that you aren't correct, but I am wondering how you arrive at this opinion. "

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RPJ wrote on Sep 18, 2006 6:58 AM:

" The bottom line is that the police department didn't work hard enough to find the dog. I'm 99.9% sure that the case has been dropped. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 17, 2006 8:41 PM:

" I can't think of a name to post with so I think I'll steal one....hmmm, maybe I'll choose "Lodian" since I'm not able to think of one all on my own. I'm brainless! "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 17, 2006 8:40 PM:

" If everyone posts as "Lodian" what will this blog come to? "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 17, 2006 8:39 PM:

" Hmmm, so many posts with the same blog name? "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 17, 2006 8:39 PM:

" Wow, so many Lodian's on the blog. "

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lodian wrote on Sep 17, 2006 4:48 PM:

" dogs are women's best friends, too "

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Voice of reason wrote on Sep 17, 2006 2:07 AM:

" OOPS! Don't type when you are tired. Retract the statement Blair King and the city manager, he is the city manager. I still think you are wrong and happen to know the cops are still working the case "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 17, 2006 12:40 AM:

" dogs are mans best friend "

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Voice of reason wrote on Sep 16, 2006 2:05 AM:

" To RPJ: Okay, so you know some people on the police force. You fail to mention how they did anything wrong. You say they owners received extensions(Not granted by the police dept.) And the last time I checked Blair King and the city manager don't work for the police department. Nice try but you missed your mark. "

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RPJ wrote on Sep 13, 2006 5:45 PM:

" voice of reason: Well I happen to know quite a few people on the police force and know exactly what I'm talking about when I say this was handled completely wrong. The owners of the pit have won! And why is that? Well let's see... How many extensions did they get? Were they not told that they were going to have a 3 day weekend to break into the shelter? Don't get me started on Mr Blair King the city manager! "

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pbo2 wrote on Sep 13, 2006 5:36 PM:

" The bottom line is that the police department has most likely given up on this case. Basically they went for a drug bust one night ran into some vicious pit's and called animal control. At that moment they were done. Why don't you go to animal control and see how they feel. They are the one's that took care of them for close to 2 months due to extension after extension! Why were they given so many chances? And why did they post that a decision would wait until after a 3 day holiday? "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 13, 2006 2:39 PM:

" I'll be moving on... Now, back to the topic. "

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pbo2 wrote on Sep 13, 2006 12:41 PM:

" These 2 fighting over blog names get posted. What I have to say about the actual article is not getting posted why? "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 13, 2006 12:27 PM:

" Lodian also: Besides, you are not just innocently using the same blog name as I have chosen. You are trying to antagonize me with it. I've seen you on other blogs actually pointing this out "...oh, and don't use my blog name" as you've said a few times now. Get a life, get a name and get something to say that you can back up with your own chosen alias. It's really not that hard. Try it some time. Ciao "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 13, 2006 12:22 PM:

" Lodian also: It's called "democracy". We have a right to voice our opinion and vote for change if we so desire on any given issue. Why would you tell someone to "move" if they don't like what is going on in their city. Are you for a "dictatorship"? Is that what you are about? People like you, without anything to back up their point of view, always fall back on the ol' "Well, if ya don't like it, get out" routine. Boring and ignorant. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 13, 2006 12:15 PM:

" (continued) It's very simple. I do it all the time. If a "LODIAN" gets to a blog before me I choose to change my blog name a little out of courtesy, respect and the simple reason of making it easier to converse. I have been on these blogs from day one and have used Lodian ever since then. I use "Lodian" as my blog name every day, unlike you who likes to use other peoples names and an alias every time you post. Geez, where are all the adults around here? "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 13, 2006 12:11 PM:

" Lodian Also: I always hope there are other bloggers that think beyond the obvious, but that's not always the case. Of course there is more than one "Lodian" in Lodi and of course I don't OWN the name "Lodian". Geez, can you get anymore childish than to copy another's blog name?My point was that it is rude, disrespectful and just plain annoying when someone blogs with the same name another blogger has already posted with on any given blog. GET IT? I don't care what the chosen name is,if it's already in use,have some respect and use another name.(continued) "

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Lodian Also wrote on Sep 12, 2006 11:35 PM:

" We are all Lodians, you don't own the name and this blog is no place to be complaining. This is to talk about the story, not someone stealing your name. Re: about the German comment, Lodi is well known to be a town of German decent and it was used to make a point. Also to "Prosecute the Owner" if this city is a "joke" then MOVE. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 12, 2006 9:55 PM:

" TO RICH HANNER: Thanks for answering my questions on the other blog. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 12, 2006 8:55 AM:

" TO WEBMASTER/LNS: If I use my given name will someone that impersonates me be banned/blocked from the blogs? I am going by your guideline that states Do not post if "The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity". "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 12, 2006 8:52 AM:

" Well, since the LNS isn't going to set up a log-in system I guess it's time for me to start using any ol' name that comes to mind. I'm tired of the impersonators. The impersonators are more annoying to me than an offensive blogger. I don't understand why the LNS is okay with this. Oh, well...not my paper, right? LOL! "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 12, 2006 8:49 AM:

" Hey "Lodian" impersonator. Try using a name not already used on the blog. Have some originality. Geez, these blogs get all kinds. Let me make it simple...if a name is already in use on any particular blog then you need to use another name. Simple enough, right? Well, you'd think so but some still don't get it. "

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Voice of reason wrote on Sep 11, 2006 9:59 PM:

" To prosecute and pbo2: I forgive you because you know not of what you speak. I doubt you know anyone on the police force and have no knowledge of the job. Instead of throwing around insults take the time to educate yourselves on how things work in the real world. Come out of your shell and try to be a positive, productive member of the community. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 11, 2006 9:01 PM:

" yeah stop using my blog name have some originality, by the way dont kill the doggies "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 11, 2006 5:19 PM:

" I'm sure we don't know all the facts on what is going on in this investigation. When the investigation has concluded I'm sure we'll know more details. Until then we should take a wait and see attitude about it in regards to the owners and the questioning/investigation. I don't think the public should be privy to every little detail of an on-going investigation. "

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pbo2 wrote on Sep 11, 2006 12:26 PM:

" To Voice of reason, If the actual police department had been broken in to and evidence/property was stolen would this have been handled the same way? I'm thinking no. I'm sure the police department know's where to locate Hurlbut and Costa for questioning. This trying to reach them by phone for comment is absoulutely ridiculous! "

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Prosecute wrote on Sep 11, 2006 8:06 AM:

" Because everyone knows that Lodi's cops are too afraid to do their jobs. They are too busy collecting grocery carts, remember? They are too chicken to deal with the hoodlums in town too! Half the time you call when there's something going on, they don't show. "

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voice of reason wrote on Sep 11, 2006 6:45 AM:

" To Prosecute The Owner: What makes you think the cops are not working on this case? Have you called and spoken to any detectives? I'm insulted that you use such a broad brush to paint your negative picture of the Police Department. You have one of the best agencies in the area and should be proud of them. Shame on you "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 10, 2006 6:18 PM:

" The problem with 49er J's statement about euthanizing all Germans, since some have been determined to be dangerous, wouldn't have been as acceptable here if he would have said Blacks, Jews, Catholics or Mexicans. Why is that? "

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49er J wrote on Sep 10, 2006 6:17 PM:

" I was raised to love animals and free speech and I apologize for neither. "

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49er J wrote on Sep 10, 2006 6:14 PM:

" Polical correctness was never addressed by the Founding Fathers. Free speech was. The very first amendment, I believe. Maybe they considered it to be more important than government approved pablum for the masses. "

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49er J wrote on Sep 10, 2006 6:10 PM:

" Bloggers: My recent input is an example that, regardless of the innocent intent, it is always possible to offend someone. Blogging is like pornography; if it offends you don't look at it. A blogger cannot possibly know the sensitivities of his entire audience. "

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49er J wrote on Sep 10, 2006 6:04 PM:

" Mr. Hanna's observation was correct. It was not my intention to slander anyone. The analogy was meant to point out that an entire group should not be punished for the actions of a few. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 10, 2006 5:55 PM:

" RICH HANNER: Personally I don't have a problem with 49er posting his thoughts as I am pretty open to read all points of view even if they get a bit raunchy. I just thought the LNS wouldn't go for such comments as I have been trying to see where your line is drawn. Just thought that might be over the line. Guess I was wrong. Thanks for the response. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 10, 2006 3:08 AM:

" 49er J: How about bloggers? "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 10, 2006 3:06 AM:

" TO WEBMASTER: Is the comment by "49er J" at 1:44pm really okay with you? I would have thought that one wouldn't make it through the approval process. FROM EDITOR RICH HANNER: My take is that 49er J is using satire to make a broader point and say that all pit bulls shouldn't be blamed for the misdeeds of a few. This one is probably on the line and my call is subjective. Any other readers have a differing view on this? "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 10, 2006 3:03 AM:

" TO WEBMASTER: Is there not some way to prevent posters from using another's blog name on these blogs? Is there any type of registration idea in the works for these blogs? It would really be a good idea and I'm sure it would help with you having to search through every post on the pre-approval process as it is now. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 10, 2006 2:59 AM:

" To the Lodian that posted on September 09, 2006 8:54 AM... why are you using my blog name? "

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City Manager?? wrote on Sep 9, 2006 9:03 PM:

" What is wrong with this city manager? To extend the deadline was wrong; to give these kinds of people any leniency was wrong, and why wasn't this dog euthanized within 24 hours after it was deemed vicious? It seems that we tippy toe around the most ridiculous things in this town when it comes to city management. The dog is vicious because of these kinds of people and we are giving them leniency; for what reason? "

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pbo2 wrote on Sep 9, 2006 4:31 PM:

" Obviously Hurlbut and Costa's friends haven't heard about crimestoppers... The last I heard was if you had info on a crime they would give you money. And what is up with calling the old owners? How about going out and bringing them in for questioning. "

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49er J wrote on Sep 9, 2006 1:44 PM:

" A large number of Germans have been determined to be dangerous and cruel. Euthanize all Germans. Same logic. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 9, 2006 8:54 AM:

" responsible pet ownership is the key "

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Prosecute The Owner wrote on Sep 8, 2006 4:37 PM:

" It's obvious that "Lodi's Finest" will let this case go too, because our men and women in badges simply don't care anymore. Has there been a follow up and has the previous owner been questioned? Originally he had 19 of them, probably for dog fighting. Not that he will admit it or anything. This city is a joke, and the owner needs to pay the consequences. Yes, he stole the dog from the shelter! "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 8, 2006 9:26 AM:

" I've had several encounters with vicious dogs over the years and let me tell you...it's frightening.I'm thankful that I've never had my children with me at the time.My dog was attacked,I've been attacked(due to my dog being attacked...I tried to save him)and I've seen others attacked(people/dogs).These vicious dogs need to be evaluated and,if need be,put down.It's very sad,but necessary.The stupid"bleepin"short-sighted selfish owners are to blame for raising such an animal and should have serious changes and fines brought against them when their vicious dog attacks others(people or other dogs).Actually,charges should be brought against them BEFORE their vicious-dogs attack. "

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Puppy Mill wrote on Sep 8, 2006 8:28 AM:

" To Lodian.....You are exactly right...The dog is vicious and does not need to be out of the shelter. They should be put to sleep so they can NOT hurt anyone. I am a dog lover, and own a dog....but I would not own a vicious dog with the possibilities it could hurt someone. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 7, 2006 11:38 PM:

" To Vicious Dog: The officials at the shelter deemed the dog vicious. The dog being labeled vicious was not based on the dog's actions in protecting his home. The shelter officials do not take pleasure in deciding that a dog should be deemed vicious and put down. They would much rather be able to release the dog due to it being in good shape and well behaved. "

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Vicious Dog? wrote on Sep 7, 2006 2:05 PM:

" Was it really a vicious dog, or just a dog that was protecting it's home? Most dogs will try and protect it's home and theirselves when they feel threatened. "

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Long Gone:) wrote on Sep 7, 2006 2:47 AM:

" Oh Yeah,I don't think we need one of those Lodi detective's to figure this one out. I'm looking for work! I have saved the Lodi tax payer's a few bucks already, and I'm not even hired yet!Ha! "

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Long Gone:) wrote on Sep 7, 2006 2:42 AM:

" One thing's for certain,the intruder/s knew the dog, and the dog knew the dog-napper/s. Otherwise,I'm possitive this would have been a gruesome and bloody crime scene, with blood,guts and perhaps an arm-bone still laying there,unless the other vicious Pit's did'nt eat that too! "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 7, 2006 12:54 AM:

" I wonder what the thief will do to make sure the vicious dog does not kill or maim someone? The previous owner didn't seem to be able to properly care for and socialize the dog, as the dog was deemed vicious, so what might the new owner/thief do differently? After all, this dog is already a vicious adult dog. "

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DOG LOVER wrote on Sep 6, 2006 11:32 PM:

" Any moran know that if it is a pitbull that is conciderd vicious is dangerous should be put to sleep screw the owner it the owner who propbly want to hurt people with it "

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poodle detective wrote on Sep 6, 2006 7:58 PM:

" sounds like a case for McGruff the Crime Dog "

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Puppy Mill wrote on Sep 6, 2006 6:06 PM:

" The owner was running a puppy mill. He does not deserve the dogs back. They were in poor health and vicious. "

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To: Dog Lover wrote on Sep 6, 2006 5:32 PM:

" So you're saying you'll do the same, and commit an illegal crime? [personal attack deleted -- Webmaster] "

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dog lover wrote on Sep 6, 2006 2:45 PM:

" GOOD im glad they took their dog back...i would have done the same thing "

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Take Action Now! wrote on Sep 6, 2006 2:03 PM:

" I think they should do a full investigation, take finger prints and prosecute this dog owner, if he's actually the one who did it. (I'm sure he's behind this all the way). It's time Lodi invest in security cameras or alarms for these type of establishments. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 6, 2006 1:11 PM:

" I am surprised that the shelter was so easy to break into, especially when such vicious dogs are held in this facility. "

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I Am Not Surprised! wrote on Sep 6, 2006 12:35 PM:

" Any animal that wants their dog back without paying the fines is going to "go get their dog"! That is common sense. Too bad LPD didn't have an officer waiting just in case! Another great job LPD! "

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fischgoth wrote on Sep 6, 2006 12:17 PM:

" The director of our local animal shelter (not Lodi) said owners routinely sneak in and steal back animals to avoid fines. Unfortunately the animals they take are vicious and have been impounded because of attacks. The agressive behavior of an animal is usually not the fault of the animal but rather their "ignorant people" owners. "

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Naw wrote on Sep 6, 2006 12:09 PM:

" Give them another extension. They may bring the dog back. "

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wow wrote on Sep 6, 2006 11:59 AM:

" Wow I wonder who might want to take this one vicious dog from the shelter? Yes I bet Hurlbut could not be reached. I wonder why....Maybe going to try to start another puppy mill. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 6, 2006 11:24 AM:

" TO Gee I wonder: It looks like they did try to contact the original owners of the dog..."Dog owners Mark Hurlbut and Danielle Costa could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday, and Hurlbut's phone was not accepting messages.". I'm sure they are the first people on the list to be questioned. "

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Gee, I wonder... wrote on Sep 6, 2006 8:03 AM:

" Maybe they need to question the original owner. I'm sure the fingers point to him. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 6, 2006 7:14 AM:

" Wow, looks like they got one of the dogs back. I sure hope they keep the dog in a secure environment so it doesn't hurt anyone. "

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Comments on this story are now closed.

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