Man Charged with Stealing 2 Puppies from Pets, Inc.

A 20-year-old man is charged with stealing two puppies from an animal adoption center in West Columbia Friday.

Deputies say Antonio Mayorga of West Columbia went to Pets, Inc. on Orchard Drive around 2:30 p.m. and took two black puppies without paying the adoption fees. 

Surveillance video shows Mayorga walk out with the puppies without paying for them, according to the sheriff's department. Witnesses also told deputies Mayorga took the puppies.

The puppies were returned to Pets, Inc. a few hours later, according to the sheriff's department. Deputies found Mayorga at his home on Villa Court after getting his license plate number from people who said they saw him take the puppies and drive away. 

Mayorga is charged with petit larceny.

Anyone with information concerning the improper removal of the two puppies from Pets, Inc. should contact the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department at 803-785-8230 or CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.