Humane Society dog thieves caught, but Lilly is still missing

Just one day before her adoption, just before close of business on Tuesday, a dog was taken from the Joplin Humane Society by two crooks who then escaped out of a side door unnoticed.

Connie Andrews, the director of the Humane Society sheds light on the situation stating that one of thieves was the owner of the dog, but 34 days ago, he was taken to jail. The dog, Lilly, was brought to the JHS for care, vaccinations, food and boarding. Plus she was loved by the entire staff and a favorite of volunteers.

Warren Sprague and Johnathan Severance abandoned the dog when sent to jail, then stole the dog, sneaking away in the night and leaving the JHS with a hefty bill and broken hearts.

Soon after leaving the humane society Tuesday evening, Sprague and Severance continued their criminal ways and were arrested by Joplin Police, but not for dog theft or for the money owed to the JHS.

The two were sent back to jail and charged with possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia and driving while revoked.

However, the most disturbing part of the story for the staff of the Joplin Humane Society is the fact that the whereabouts and condition of Lilly are unknown.