Do you know what DOG ESSENTIALS you are missing out? Find out now!
Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
A Central Florida woman faces grand theft charges after allegedly finding a lost family pet and demanding a cash ransom for its return, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. ClickOrlando reported the story on October 14, 2026.
Deputies responded following a report regarding a stolen family pet. The victim’s dog, named Teddy, had wandered away before the owner discovered a Facebook post indicating the animal had been found.
When the owner contacted the user—identified as 37-year-old Christina Spence Reid—Reid sent a photo of herself with Teddy and demanded $1,000 in exchange for the dog’s safe return.
Law enforcement located Spence Reid at her residence with Teddy still in her possession. Authorities stated she openly admitted to planning on keeping the dog unless the ransom was paid. Spence Reid was arrested on Saturday night, charged with grand theft, and subsequently released on a $2,500 bond on Sunday.
My thoughts:
Attempting to extort owners for money when they are desperately looking for a missing family pet crosses a major legal and ethical line, turning a found-pet situation into a criminal theft case.
The quick intervention by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office ensured that Teddy was recovered safely and returned home without the owners having to submit to the extortion demands.
Social media posts can be a double-edged sword in lost pet scenarios; while they help spread awareness quickly, they can occasionally attract bad actors attempting to exploit vulnerable owners.
Source: ClickOrlando and Marion County Sheriff’s Office
