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Reward offered for info on beagles taken from Montana couple, killed

Posted at 4:52 PM, Apr 11, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-11 18:52:12-04

HAMILTON – Owners of two beagles that were stolen and killed hope a reward fund will help identify the perpetrators behind the brutal crime.

Stacy and Charlie Heiland’s miniature beagles, Trigger and Copper, disappeared in late January. Copper was pregnant.

After searching for months, someone found the dogs bodies discarded near Lake Como late last month. Copper had given birth and the puppies had nursed, but the puppies were taken and the dogs were killed.

Miniature beagle pups can cost more than $2,000.

The Heliands set up the ‘stolen beagle reward fund’ at Farmer’s State Bank hoping to generate leads in the case and offer a reward for information that results in a conviction.

Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton says he’ll pursue felony theft and animal cruelty charges when they make an arrest. 

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Ravalli County 911 Center at 406-363-3033 or on the sheriff’s app online. You can also call Five Valleys Crimestoppers at 406-721-4444. Callers may remain anonymous.