DANVILLE (WSLS 10) - The Danville Area Humane Society is reminding people that it is illegal to try to sell a stray pet before first notifying your local animal shelter that you found the pet.
A 7-year-old dachshund named Bruno has been missing for about a month and the humane society now believes the dog may be in danger and has put up a $1,000 reward for its safe return.
The group's executive director, Paulette Dean, said the dog has been seen for sale on Craigslist, but whoever is selling the dog has not notified the humane society that Bruno was found.
"You do not have the legal authority to make the decision not to return that animal to its rightful owner," Dean emphasized. "From what we've been told by the owner and what has been reported, we fear for this dog."
She said this is becoming increasingly common.
"People think 'oh, on these Craigslist or these yard sale pages I can make some money' or people see an animal that they don't think is in good condition, and it may not be," Dean said. "Take the animal to the public animal shelter. Those people have the legal authority to make sure the animal is being taken care of."
If caught, the person or people selling the dog could be charged with a misdemeanor for not reporting the dog or charged with felony dog theft.