Paicines
– An $850 pig hunting dog that authorities believe may have been
stolen after hunting with its owner on a Paicines ranch was found
running loose Wednesday.
Paicines – An $850 pig hunting dog that authorities believe may have been stolen after hunting with its owner on a Paicines ranch was found running loose Wednesday.
The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31-year-old Paicines resident Oliver David Mendez on suspicion of felony conspiracy and grand theft of a dog at 9:45am Tuesday on JL Ranch in Paicines. Deputies believe Mendez worked with others to steal the dog, Det. Jeff Goodwin said.
The dog, a purebred Catahoula, went missing Sunday while it was hunting with its owner on a Paicines-area ranch, Goodwin said.
Goodwin is still investigating the crime but would not comment on who he suspects conspired with Mendez to steal the hunting dog.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office at 831-636-4080.
Michael Van Cassell covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or [email protected].
