Grants Pass officials haven't found dog fighting evidence

Grants Pass, Ore., — This is Hunter Kapieolani and his dog Buddy.

Last year, Buddy went missing.

“He actually appeared 3 days later, with some weird markings on his nails, perfectly groomed but about 15 pounds underweight.”

At the time, Hunter thought it was odd, but moved past it.

Now dozens of Grants Pass community members are coming forward with similar stories, saying their pets have been stolen for a dog fighting ring.

And while it makes him wonder if Buddy’s disappearance was related, he wants to make sure his fellow neighbors get their furry friends back, just like he did.

“Whether they want to call it a ring, or want to call it theft, the facts are there, the dogs are missing. There are no answers for these people, there’s no voice for them really, and there’s no anyone to help them.”

The community says thirty eight dogs have been stolen in just the last eight days.

But Grants Pass Police say they have no evidence to support that.

“In the last several weeks, GPDPS has had no reported dog thefts, and that extends back actually a couple weeks prior before the Facebook story got wings.”

Animal control also sent out this email, saying it has no evidence either.

But that isn’t stopping Hunter and others.

“The more that it’s being overlooked, I feel the stronger the community is going to step up and really make a stand.”

While there may not be any evidence right now, police say they do want to help the community get to the bottom of the situation.

“I think the biggest thing they could do for law enforcement would be a description of the vehicle, a license plate would be great. A description of the people they think are involved.”