Double Dognapping Averted at the Maui Humane Society

Maui police arrested a woman who allegedly climbed over the fence at the Maui Humane Society earlier this week, and took two dogs out of their kennels.

Both dogs, Deputy Wigglebottom and Honey Boy, were unharmed during the burglary attempt. Police said the female suspect could not get out the way she came in, and remained in the fenced in area at the humane society until officers arrived on scene after responding to a 9-1-1 call.

Officers were called to the scene at around 8:38 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, 2019.  Police say responding officers observed the suspect within the kennels, attempting to steal two dogs.

The female was identified as Shantel Medeiros, 40, who has no local address. Maui Police Lt. Gregg Okamoto tells Maui Now that Medeiros was arrested and charged with second degree burglary. Her bail was set at $1,000.

Jamie Fitzpatrick, Director of Operations at the Maui Humane Society said that in her six years working at the shelter, this was “definitely an unusual occurrence.”  She continued saying the dogs were unrelated and came to the MHS in different situations.  “By coincidence both happened to be in the kennels that night,” said Fitzpatrick, noting that the facility holds an average of 35 to 40 dogs onsite.

Deputy Wigglebottom was found as a stray about a month ago and has been at the shelter looking for a home since the MHS was unable to locate his family. Honey Boy was also picked up as a stray but it turns out his family was looking for him and came to pick him up the day after the incident involving Medeiros. Neither dog was said to have a connection to the suspect.

“It was just a strange little adventure that they both had that night,” she said.

Deputy Wigglebottom is still at the shelter and available for adoption. He is described by staff as “a blocky-headed wonder,” with a “baby face” that “is sure to make you smile.” He’s two years old, weighs 62 pounds, is treat motivated, and loves “rump scratches.”

Anyone interested in adopting Deputy Wigglebottom or learning more information about him can visit the Maui Humane Society website, or call  (808) 877-3680, option 3. Or feel free to stop by the shelter, open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Deputy Wigglebottom. Maui Now photo.

Deputy Wigglebottom. Maui Now photo.

Deputy Wigglebottom. Maui Now photo.

Shantel Medeiros.