PHOENIX, ARIZONA – A Phoenix family is devastated after their newly adopted Husky-mix dog was stolen directly from their backyard in broad daylight — an act caught on surveillance footage and now under police investigation.
The theft occurred near Thunderbird Road and Interstate 17, where home security cameras captured a group of three individuals approaching the yard. One woman is clearly seen opening the gate, grabbing the dog by the collar, and dragging him off the property.
“He was standing right here, growling and barking, and they just grabbed him by the collar and dragged him off straight to the street,” Samantha Delp, the dog’s owner, told 12News.
Dog Had Recently Joined Family After Rescue
The dog, now named Hondo, had wandered into the Delp family’s lives just weeks earlier on June 1, appearing matted, oily, and dehydrated.
“His hair was stuck with paint. He was hungry, hot, and thirsty,” Delp said, explaining that they bathed him, fed him, and immediately took him to a vet.
The vet scanned the dog’s microchip and attempted to contact the listed owner, but received no response. Eventually, the microchip company notified the Delps that if the original owner failed to respond within 30 days, the ownership would transfer.
Delp received confirmation four days later that the dog was legally in her name.
Police Investigating, But Dog Still Missing
Phoenix police responded to the incident and followed up at the last known address of the previous owner. The apartment, however, was boarded up, and neither the suspects nor the dog have been located.
“We were just really shocked that instead of coming to the door, that someone would just open up our gate to our home,” said Delp.
Delp says the act was especially painful given how quickly Hondo had become part of the family. Describing him as playful and affectionate, she noted his love for tug-of-war and chewing toys — signs he’s still young and would have had many years ahead with the family.
Legal Complications Possible in Civil Court
While the Delps legally assumed ownership of Hondo through the microchip registration process, ownership disputes can still arise. Experts told 12News that if the case moves forward, a civil judge would determine rightful ownership.
Still, regardless of any dispute, entering someone’s yard and taking property without consent is illegal, and authorities say trespassing laws were clearly violated.
“It feels like a piece of our family is missing,” Delp said. “We just want to know that he’s okay.”
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