Pet-Sitter Stole Dog and Dyed It Green, Then Told Owner It Ran Away and Sold It: Police

A pet sitter in Washington was arrested after stealing a dog she was taking care of, dyeing it green to disguise it, and claiming it had run away.

The incident took place in August when Katelyn Emmaline McLean, 20, agreed to care for a dog while the owner was out of town in Bellingham, Washington. When they came back, earlier this month, she falsely reported the dog lost, according to the Bellingham Herald.

Following tips from witnesses who saw McLean with the dog after its supposed disappearance, police started an investigation into her claims. It was later confirmed that McLean did steal the dog and sold it for $500.

The new owner had attempted to register the dog at the Whatcom Humane Society in town, leading to McLean's fessing up to the crime. She did so by bringing the dog into the Bellingham Police station along with the person who purchased the dog from her.

Police took McLean into custody on October 14 and returned the dog to its original owner shortly after. She was later charged with multiple offenses, including felony trafficking of stolen property, a class B felony, gross misdemeanors taking/concealing a pet, and making false statements to public authorities.