East Bay

Stolen Van Carrying More Than 2 Dozen Rescue Dogs Found in Oakland

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A van carrying about 25 to 30 rescue dogs was stolen in Fremont overnight, but authorities later spotted the van in Oakland, made a traffic stop and found the dogs inside, police said Monday.

Fremont police said the van was stolen from a hotel sometime between 10 p.m. Sunday and 5:20 a.m. Monday. 

"While secured by the transporter, the dogs were in the vehicle with it running (keys in the ignition) overnight," Fremont police said in a tweet. "The van was luckily equipped with GPS."

Police believe two suspects were trying to sell the dogs.

Animal control officials responded to 81st Avenue and Olive Street where the van was stopped and recovered the dogs.

According to Oakland police, their officers pulled over the van and arrested the driver and detained another person who was attempting to buy one of the dogs. Their names were not immediately released.

Police said 24 dogs were recovered and taken to Oakland Animal Services to check on their wellness, along with looking for any microchips that they might have. All dogs were in good health and were not harmed, police said, but they're looking into the possibility there were additional dogs originally with the van that were not recovered.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

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