When Bert Clark of Toronto lost his labrador dog Huckleberry, flew home from a vacation in Florida and posted a “no questions asked” $15,000 reward to get him back. It drew the attention of the entire city and newspapers and local television covered the story.
Huckleberry was apparently stolen from the dog walker. But when a man called the police to return the dog and claim the reward, the police got suspicious.
Turns out the dog was purposely stolen to claim a reward, and the man who returned Huckleberry was in on it. He and another man are charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offense, corruptly taking a reward for recovery of goods, possession of property obtained by crime and attempted fraud.
Huckleberry’s owner paid the reward but was able to get his $15,000 back thanks to the police.
Two teenagers (a boy and a girl) who were also suspected to be involved were being urged by police to get lawyers and turn themselves in. And they did just today. The two teens wanted in connection with the alleged theft of the dog have turned themselves in to Toronto police. Each has been charged with theft under $5,000 and possession under $5,000. The boy is additionally charged with failing to comply with his probation.
This whole episode is specifically the reason it is discouraged to offer large rewards without the consultation or involvement of law enforcement. There are ‘nogoodniks’ out there waiting to grab our beloved pet just to make some money.
