Zenobia Fisher and Alphonso Allen of Northeast Washington, D.C., were arrested on Tuesday, Oct. 11 and charged with second degree theft and animal cruelty following a joint investigation by the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
On Aug. 18, Fisher began fostering Godiva and her seven 2-week-old puppies, giving HRA a false name and address. Once Fisher left HRA with Godiva and her pups, HRA’s foster team was unable to make contact with her despite numerous attempts. An investigation by HRA’s humane law enforcement officers and MPD determined Fisher’s real identity and discovered she, along with Allen, had sold at least four of the puppies to separate and unaffiliated individuals for money. Two of Godiva’s puppies remain missing. HRA is offering a reward of up to $7,500 for information confirming that they are safe. All tips can be anonymously reported to HRA at 202-723-5730.
Over the course of the investigation, HRA found and reunited five of the puppies with Godiva and their siblings. Godiva has been an incredible mom; from teaching the puppies how to care for themselves to showing them how to socialize, her maternal guidance has been a crucial part of their puppyhood. The five siblings love to wrestle and play with each other, often taking turns dragging their favorite large rope toy around the yard and cuddling together for nap time. These interactions are critical to the puppies' development, as they are practicing important behaviors and communication skills that will follow them into adulthood. We are extremely grateful for the precious time this family has had together.
As the puppies near 10 weeks old, we will be working to reunite Link, Apollo and Oli with the families who unsuspectingly purchased them. Godiva, Glitter, and Aries will soon be available for adoption. Those interested in adopting can visit humanerescuealliance.org/adopt (which is updated in real time) to see whether they are available for adoption.
Click here For a timeline of the investigation.