Police arrest three for killing, stealing dogs

Shanghai police have arrested three people suspected of killing and stealing dogs from residents in Qingpu district, the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau announced Sunday.

Police vowed to crack down on dog snatchers as there is typically an increase in such cases during winter, according to a public security bureau press release.

Patrolling officers caught two of the suspects riding a motorcycle on Zhaojiang Road in Baihe town Tuesday. They tried to escape arrest by running over the officers with the vehicle.

Several police officers subdued the two, who were carrying a crossbow and darts.

Police believe that they used the weapon to shoot the pets of residents in the area. On the motorcycle, police found the bodies of several dogs that were still warm to the touch.

Police arrested another suspected dog snatcher in the same town Monday. The suspect employed the same method to kill and steal the animals, according to the release. He told police that he had stolen a dozen dogs so far this winter.

The public security bureau has deployed more officers this winter to patrol the streets and stop theft and robbery. It reminded residents to take precautions to protect their property if they plan to travel during the New Year's and Spring Festival holidays.