As many as 10 Doberman puppies are missing after a breeder was killed in Clear Creek County, according to sheriff’s officials.
Paul Peavey, a 57-year-old Doberman breeder from Idaho Springs, was reported missing Wednesday and his body was found by a search party of friends and family on Saturday, according to the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s officials initially reported that “many” Doberman puppies were missing from Peavey’s property, and on Monday confirmed that up to 10 were unaccounted for.
Finding the missing puppies could be key to solving Peavey’s homicide, sheriff’s officials said Monday.
According to sheriff’s officials, the missing puppies may have been sold through social media sites or other means as early as Tuesday, Aug. 20.
All of Peavey’s dogs are microchipped, sheriff’s officials said. Anyone who purchased a Doberman puppy in the central Colorado area within the last week should visit a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, pet store or police department to check their new dog for a microchip and contact the sheriff’s office by phone at 303-679-2393 or by email at admin@clearcreeksheriff.us.
Anyone who purchased a puppy through Peavey’s business — Elite European Dobermans — since June is also asked to contact the sheriff’s office, whether or not they received a puppy.
“This will help us determine exactly how many puppies are unaccounted for,” sheriff’s officials said.
The Clear Creek County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of Peavey’s death.
This is a developing story.
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