Pet Food Express Doubles Reward for K-9 Poisoning

By Bay City News Service

East Bay pet supply company Pet Food Express is doubling the reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for poisoning a police officer's dogs and burglarizing his Richmond home last week.

Before snatching five firearms from the officer's home early Friday morning, one or more burglars poisoned the family's black Labrador retriever and a police K-9 in a backyard kennel, according to police. The Labrador died from the poisoning, and the K-9 is still recovering. (You can read more about the incident in "Richmond Police Officer's Home Burglarized, K-9 and Family Pet Poisoned.")

When a Pet Food Express owner heard the news, he decided to match the police department's $10,000 reward for tips leading to the suspects' capture and conviction, company spokesman Mike Murray said.

"We felt really bad this happened and just wanted to show our support," he said.

The company has a long-standing relationship with local law enforcement. Each year, Pet Food Express teams with the non-profit group The Police and Working K-9 Foundation for a "Cover Your K-9" event that helps equip law enforcement officers and their dogs with customized bulletproof vests, heat alarms for patrol cars and K-9 first-aid kits.

In addition, police officers can bring their K-9s into Pet Food Express stores for free pet washes, Murray said.

Lt. Bisa French said that, thanks to the company's donation, the total reward for information on the case is now $20,000.

So far, police have received some tips but have not identified any suspects, she said.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Richmond police at (510) 232-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous.

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