Yorkshire terrier lying on the floor and looking at camera.Photo:Getty

Getty
A New York animal control officer was arrested and charged last week for selling a family’s Yorkshire terrier after claiming it had died, according to police.
Scott R. Casterline, 51, of Church Creek Road, Lindley, was arrested on Thursday “following an investigation of an alleged deceased dog,” per apress releasefrom the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office.
“It is alleged that Mr. Casterline, acting as a public servant, took another’s property, a dog, sold that property and falsely reported the death of that dog. Investigators traced the sale to a location in Ohio, located the missing dog, retrieved and returned the dog to the rightful owner,” per the release.
Yorkshire terrier playing with a ball on the grass.Getty

“Mr. Casterline was charged with Official Misconduct, Misapplication of Property and False Written Statement,” the release concluded. “Mr. Casterline was released on an appearance ticket to appear in Lindley Town Court at a later date.”
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Phone investigation techniques were employed to determine the dog’s location, police said, per the outlet.
“We are finally able to share the news with all of you that our beloved dog, Hope, who was presumed dead 5 months ago is actually alive and back home!!,” owner Jeannine Staller wrote in aFacebook post.
“Charges were filed today against Mr Scott Casterline for his wrongdoings as well as the Sheriff has put out a press release regarding these charges,” she added in her post. “We want to thank this whole community for their support and continued determination in seeking justice for Hope and for the Sheriff’s Dept in finding the truth and bringing our Hope back home to us alive!!”
source: people.com