Thursday, June 7th, 2012
Two persons sought over dog in lake
By Nancy Allen
GRAND LAKE - Authorities have identified two persons of interest connected to the apparent drowning of a caged dog found in Grand Lake on Saturday.
Information found on the cage has led authorities to Mardie Biederman and Nicole Thompson, who are believed to be living in Florida and prior to that in Sidney, Auglaize County Dog Warden Russ Bailey said. The two also had rented a place at Rustic Haven Campground, the area of the lake where the dog was found.
Bailey said officials believe the pair stayed at the campground a short time ago.
"We are not saying they are suspects. We just don't know," Bailey said Wednesday. "It is believed the owner is someone local, either from Mercer, Auglaize or Shelby counties … If anyone knows the owner, we could sure use the help."
A passer-by reportedly told an Auglaize County sheriff's deputy, who was in the area on a separate incident, about seeing the dog floating in a cage in the lake.
The large, white female pit bull or pit bull mix was not wearing a dog license. A photo of the animal showed it was found in a metal cage and was wearing a red harness-type collar. Bailey said the dog possibly had given birth to puppies recently.
Bailey said he doubts the animal's death was accidental.
"It could have been an accident; you don't know until you talk to the people who owned the dog," Bailey said. "But you would have thought they would have tried to get the dog out or seen the commotion."
Brian Miller, manager at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, said the dog apparently had been in the water for some time. A park officer and a watercraft officer removed the animal from the water.
Bailey encouraged anyone with knowledge of the case to contact him at 419-302-8303 or the Auglaize County Humane Society at 419-738-7808. Callers can remain anonymous, he said.
