Theft charges laid against animal rescue group

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SURREY (NEWS1130) – The co-founders of an animal rescue organization in Surrey are being accused of stealing dogs from people’s homes.  Fifty-eight-year-old Janet Olson and 59-year-old Louise Reid are the co-founders of A Better Life Dog Rescue.

Surrey RCMP Corporal Drew Grainger says they were arrested on November 21st in Coquitlam.

“Members of the Property Crime Target Team observed the suspects enter the backyard of a residence where they walked away with a Bulldog named Samson,” Grainger said.  “They were wearing animal welfare uniforms at the time.”

Grainger says the rescue organization has adopted out several pets for a fee but it’s unclear if this was a money making venture.

“We’re appealing to the public for any information from witnesses or even potential other victims whose pets have mysteriously disappeared,” Grainger said.  “They perhaps didn’t think to the call the police.  They should maybe reassess the circumstances of their missing pet.”

On its website, A Better Life Dog Rescue is described as, “A group of volunteer animal lovers who help homeless, neglected and abused dogs find caring, responsible homes.”

It says more than 1,000 dogs have been rescued.

Olson and Reid have been charged with break and enter and theft under $5000.  They will be back in court next month.

Calls to A Better Life Dog Rescue by News1130 have not been returned.

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