CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A couple that found a chihuahua in December said they have returned the dog to its original owner on Thursday.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police discovered the couple went through Animal Control to notify they found a black chihuahua and made sure the dog had all the right vaccinations while it was in their care.
After a certain amount of time, the couple was allowed to register the dog and become the legal owners, which they did, according to police.
However, the couple said they wavied their rights to ownership of the dog on Thursday and returned it to Lillie Simmons.
Simmons, the original owner of the chihuahua, said she put her dog on a chain in her front yard in December. When Simmons returned she discovered her dog was missing.
Simmons said she had signs put up and notified the Humane Society and animal shelter about her missing dog.
On Monday, months after the dog first went missing Simmons got a call.
"She said 'I think this is your little dog. I have him,'" said Simmons.
A woman saw Simmon's signs and realized it was the same dog she was caring for in her home. The woman brought the chihuahua to Simmon's home.
"She said she wouldn't give my dog back."
At first Simmons said she was shocked and confused. But she said the couple then explained they'd give the dog back, but it would cost $250.
"I'd get the dog back but I would have to pay what he put into the dog," she said.
Simmons told police the couple demanded $250 in vet bills for neutering and vaccinations. But she didn't have the money, so she said the couple took her dog and left.
Police said they have closed the investigation and all matters on this incident is considered a civil lawsuit.
