Kimbo, pit bull

Missing Family Dog Reunited
Julie Carreiro, Hollister Police Department
Thursday May 9th, 2013

HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA –May 9, 2013 – On May 8, 2013, Hollister Police Animal Care and Services Officers were able to reunite a pit bull dog with its original owner after it was missing almost a year.

On May 6, 2013 Hollister Police’s Animal Control Officers received a call from a Hollister resident who said he located his family pit bull that had been missing for almost eleven months. The man found his dog with another person on Jacqueline Drive, in Hollister. He said his dog, named Kimbo, recognized him and became very excited, but the person who had him on a leash refused to give him his dog.

On May 7, 2013 Hollister Police Animal Control Officers along with Hollister Police Officers were able to seize the dog as evidence and after an investigation it was determined the dog did belong to the man. He had documents and previous license information for Kimbo and several photographs of his family pet. He filed a lost report with the Hollister Animal Care and Services in June of 2012. The person who had the dog advised she found the dog that same month.

He was very happy to have his dog back. He owned Kimbo for more than five years and acquired him as a two month old puppy. He was very grateful to the Hollister Police Animal Control Officers for their assistance. Kimbo was also very excited and the man had Kimbo performed several tricks that he had taught him for shelter staff.

The person who found and failed to report the dog, Elizabeth Gonzalez (45), has been cited by Hollister Police and the report is being filed with the District Attorney’s Office for violation of Penal Code 485 Misappropriation/Theft of Lost Property.

Animal Care and Services wants to remind citizens that dogs are personal property and if you find a dog you must contact your local animal shelter to file a found report and scan for a micro-chip. In many cases, if the lost pet is not claimed the person who found the animal may be able to adopt it. It should be noted in this case, if the dog had been brought to the shelter, the dog would have been reunited almost a year ago.

Anyone wishing to rescue a dog and provide it with a “forever” home is encouraged to visit the animal shelter or visit the website to search for available pets. www.hollister.ca.gov The Hollister Police Department’s Animal Control Bureau is located at 1331 South Street.

Source: http://local.nixle.com/alert/4999489/