The man accused of stealing a puppy out of a Southwest D.C. yard told police he was trying to help the dog.
Louis Vondell, 28, is charged with 2nd degree theft for the October 15 incident, which was caught on surveillance video. The recording showed a man reach over a fence and pull the puppy out of the yard.
When Vondell went to the police station for questioning, he brought the golden retriever with him, along with evidence that he took care of the puppy.
Vondell told police the 4-month-old dog had “cherry eyes.” According to the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, the condition happens with an animal’s third eyelid pops out of position and to correct the issue surgery is necessary.
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Vondell showed investigators a picture of the dog with “cherry eyes” and handed over receipts showing he paid for eye surgery and vaccine shots after he took the dog.
The man told police he thought the dog was ignored and mistreated by its owner. He said he would see the puppy outside frequently barking and in the rain without a proper shelter.
Police returned the puppy to its owner on Thursday, November 10, the same day Vondell talked with officers. The owner told investigators he wanted to pursue charges against Vondell.
