The president and vice president of the Haven to Home animal shelter are facing outrageous charges of theft after taking in a dog and adopting it out to a loving home. The dog had run away and was found by a good samaritan who reported the dog to the police. They brought the dog to Haven to Home. The dog had not been to a veterinarian in its 8 years of life and never had a license or rabies shot, both of which are required by state law.

When no owner came forward within the 48 hours required by law, Haven to Home put the dog up for adoption. Days later, a woman claiming to be the owner showed up at the shelter. She had a picture of the dog with her kids, but the photo was not enough to prove she was the owner. Without a license, microchip, or vet records, the shelter moved forward with the adoption process. The dog found a great family, and Haven to Home thought it was another job well done.

Unfortunately, the police got involved. They chose to ignore the fact that the woman couldn’t prove their ownership and that she had not followed state law by failing to get the dog licensed and vaccinated. Instead, the police seized the dog from the adoptive family and decided to charge Haven to Home with theft. The charges are shocking, considering the shelter broke no laws and followed protocol. Now, the president and vice president face years of prison time.

These absurd charges must be dropped. Taxpayer money is being wasted to prosecute innocent shelter workers, when it should be spent to help animals.