3 Stolen Puppies Found Dead Outside Suburban Target

KENDALL COUNTY, IL — The search for six puppies stolen from a barn in Newark took a heartbreaking turn Friday.

Three of the puppies were found dead outside a Target store in Warrenville. One was found still alive, and the other two are still missing.

Owner Cindy Benson first noticed them missing Thursday night when she didn't hear the normal commotion in the puppies' pen at feeding time, she told CBS.

"There was absolutely no sound,” Benson said.

The half-dozen, not-yet 7-week-old Black Mouth Curr puppies (four males and two females) were nowhere to be found.

Benson turned to Facebook, pleading for the public's help in finding them. She also filed a police report with the Kendall County Sheriff's department.

"Please keep your eyes and ears open for any information regarding the person or persons that felt they had the right to trespass on our property and steal all 6 of our puppies," Benson wrote on Facebook. "We are absolutely sickened by this and plan to do everything we can to find them."

A teenager shared with Benson a social media post touting puppies for sale. Aleydis Sukey Viorato had posted puppies for sale, believed to be the same puppies stolen from the Bensons. She was trying to sell the puppies, but listing them as a different breed of dog. But Benson knew they were hers based on their unique coloring.

Additional leads began rolling in, enough to point police in the direction of the store where the deceased puppies were found. The one live puppy was turned over to Benson.

"Please help us find the other two puppies that are not accounted for! If anyone purchased one we will gladly refund the money you paid," Benson wrote Friday. "We just want our puppies back. Thank you again for everything everyone has done to help us get this far! We could not have gotten this far without all of your help! We are grateful to have one puppy home with us now at least!"

The sheriff's office is asking anyone with information regarding their whereabouts or with any other information regarding this incident to contact 630-553-5856 or email: detectives @co.kendall.il.us. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Kendall County Crime Stoppers at 630-553-5999.

Photo: Kendall County Sheriff's Department