Missouri Dog Owner Identifies Stolen Dog by Bark in Facebook Video

A Missouri dog owner located her stolen dog after recognizing its bark in a Facebook video that showcased a property owned by an accused pet thief. Authorities in Lawrence County raided the property on Tuesday, following a tip from a vigilante pet detective, Melanie Self, who discovered numerous animals in distress. The video posted by Self revealed a scene with trapped animals locked in cages and crammed into a dilapidated school bus. The dog owner identified her missing Catahoula leopard dog after hearing its distinctive bark in the background of the video. Self stated, "She saw my videos and sent photos and said, ‘Did you find this dog?'" Authorities charged the property's owner, 70-year-old Susan Berry, with animal neglect and felony animal theft. A probable cause statement confirmed that the dog's unique bark assisted the owner in recognizing her pet. Self noted that many residents had reported lost or stolen dogs in the area prior to the raid. During her investigation, Self encountered a distressing scene with numerous animals in poor conditions, including dead dogs and a horse without food or water. On Tuesday, law enforcement and the Missouri Humane Society rescued over 100 animals, including goats, cats, chickens, and horses. The Humane Society announced that the animals would receive emergency veterinary care. Berry is not currently listed in the Lawrence County Jail, and it is believed she and her husband may have fled the property. Self, who works as an accountant, expressed satisfaction with the rescue efforts and mentioned her intention to adopt one or two of the animals that remain unclaimed.