Capitola police upped the reward for the safe return of their
sole police dog
”
Arno
”
to $3,000 after the dog ran away from its North East Hollister
home more than a week ago.
Hollister – Capitola police upped the reward for the safe return of their sole police dog “Arno” to $3,000 after the dog ran away from its North East Hollister home more than a week ago.
Capitola Police Capt. Brian Martin believes the 4-year-old Belgian Malamois and two-year department veteran was most likely dognapped after he escaped from his handler’s backyard on July 17.
“He could have got hit and died somewhere in some ditch and nobody’s found him, but personally I think somebody’s got him,” Martin said. “If they do, hopefully they’re taking care of him.” Martin said by this time the dog could be anywhere.
Capitola detectives have received leads from residents of San Benito, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. Detectives have now started checking Internet sites because high-end dogs such as Arno command big money on the black market.
When Arno’s handler, whose name is being withheld by police, first realized the dog was missing from his home near Veterans Memorial Park officers searched the area immediately. The Hollister Police Department and San Benito County Sheriff’s Department were contacted and instructed to be on the lookout for the dog. Last week the California Highway Patrol sent up a helicopter for an aerial search, according to Capitola police.
Martin said the department’s goal is to keep the public aware of the missing officer as long as possible so people continue to call in with leads – even if they turn out to be unrelated.
“We’ll keep following up until we find him or finally reach a dead end,” he said. “Any good Samaritan interested in helping us would be greatly appreciated. And offered the reward.”
While Arno is a friendly dog off-duty who is comfortable around children and large crowds, police warn that people should use caution when approaching any dog, especially a dog trained to attack on command.
Anyone who spots a dog matching Arno’s description should contact San Benito County dispatch at (831) 636-4331 or Capitola police dispatch at (831) 471-1141.
