Jaxon was in the vehicle when Carla Lepp's jeep was stolen on Nov. 26. (Facebook/ Carla Lepp)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Stolen jeep recovered; search continues for missing dog

Dec 5, 2024 | 5:00 PM

A province-wide search for a missing dog that was inside a stolen vehicle has received a new lead.

The Jeep Compass that was taken on Nov. 26 from outside the Co-op grocery store in Watson, has been located. According to RCMP, when the vehicle was located on Dec. 4 at Fishing Lake First Nation, it had been left abandoned in a wooded area.

“The dog was not located with the vehicle,” they said.

Following the incident, there’s been multiple reported sightings of the black labrador in Prince Albert, however nothing confirmed. Local residents have in turn taken it upon themselves to go out and search. One of those search parties was organized as recently as Wednesday night.

Jaxon’s owner Carla Lepp told paNOW she is grateful for everyone’s support and is not giving up.

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“We will just now be looking in new areas. We cannot express our gratitude for the hard efforts that everyone has done to help,” she said.

RCMP also confirmed their investigation into the stolen vehicle continues and encouraged anyone with information to contact either the Humboldt detachment or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers.

Meanwhile in the last 24 hours, some local animal rescue workers have contacted paNOW and advised that in February 2021, Lepp and her husband received a conviction related to animal cruelty.

According to the summary of facts, a total of five dogs, 18 cats, one rabbit, one California kingsnake, and one bearded dragon were taken into protective custody after the execution of a search warrant.

All the animals lacked adequate care and were in distress. A number of animals required to be euthanized due to the poor prognosis for recovery. Both Carla and Jevon Lepp were found guilty on three counts each under The Animal Protection Act, 2018.

Each received a $300 fine and ordered to pay $7,726.91 restitution for the care of the animals. They must also by a prohibition order that is in effect until Jan. 21, 2036.

Conditions of that order include not owning animals for 15 years with the exception of the two black Labradors they currently care for. They must also allow for inspections without warrant, provide address, and forfeit animals if in breach.

In response to the raised concerns, Lepp said what’s happened in the past has nothing to do with the vehicle theft or the fact their dog is missing.

“We all learn from our mistakes,” she said.

Meanwhile, Don Ferguson, Executive Director for Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan, advised paNOW the agency is not investigating the theft of the dog.

“At this time there is no information indicating that she is in breach of her conditions in relation to ownership of dogs,” he said.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell