Stolen dog sold for Rs 4,500 at Seraulim, reunited same day

Margao: In an unusual incident, a German Shepherd named Jimmy was allegedly abducted from Borda on June 5, walked all the way to Seraulim by a ragpicker, and was sold for Rs 4,500 before being traced and reunited with his family the same night.

The South Goa District Society for Prevention of Cruelty towards Animals (SPCA) lodged a complaint with the Fatorda police after the incident came to light. SPCA executive secretary Virginia Simoes said a missing post circulated on social media proved crucial in tracing the dog.

Simoes said that the suspect had walked the canine all the way to Seraulim and sold it to an animal lover for Rs 4,500.

By the following day, Jimmy was back home, but in poor condition. “The dog was in a very exhausted, tired, and dehydrated condition, and had to be put on drips,” she said.

She also said that the SPCA has obtained a video recording of the suspect selling the dog, which has been provided to police. The buyer, described as an animal lover, appears to have been unaware that the dog had been stolen.

“One ragpicker may have told four others, and this could set a trend. So please take care of your pets,” she said, urging dog owners to remain vigilant.