Colorado dog breeder found dead, ten Doberman puppies stolen in mysterious case.
At a Glance
- Paul Peavey, 57, discovered dead on his Idaho Springs property after being reported missing
- Up to 10 European Doberman puppies stolen from the breeder’s home
- Death considered suspicious; no arrests made
- Authorities seeking public’s help to locate missing puppies and solve homicide
Tragic Discovery Shakes Colorado Community
The quiet mountain town of Idaho Springs, Colorado, has been rocked by a disturbing crime that has left residents on edge. Paul Peavey, a 57-year-old dog breeder known for his dedication to Dobermans, was found dead on his 110-acre property. The circumstances surrounding his death are suspicious, and authorities are treating the case as a homicide.
Adding to the tragedy, as many as 10 European Doberman puppies were stolen from Peavey’s home. The theft of these valuable animals, which can sell for several thousand dollars each, has raised questions about the motive behind this heinous act.
Timeline of Events
Peavey was last heard from on August 19, and was reported missing three days later. Friends, concerned about his absence, visited his property and made a chilling discovery. Bruce Boynton, a close friend of Peavey, recounted the scene to local media:
“I’m the one that went up to the property and realized things were awry to the point where the puppies were gone, the house was tossed, anything of value missing,” Boynton told Denver 7.
Initially, police conducted a welfare check but found nothing amiss. It wasn’t until Saturday that a search party discovered Peavey’s body down an embankment on his property. The cause of death has not been revealed, but authorities have deemed it suspicious.
A Life Dedicated to Dogs
Peavey was not just any dog breeder. He was a man who found solace and purpose in his work with Dobermans. His business, Elite European Dobermans, was known for its commitment to quality breeding practices.
“His dogs were his life. He had been through some things in life, and the dogs were his therapy,” Boynton shared, highlighting the deep bond Peavey had with his animals.
Peavey’s dedication to his craft was evident in his breeding philosophy, which emphasized “quality over quantity.” He bred only two litters of puppies a year, ensuring each animal received the best care possible.
The Search for Missing Puppies
The Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office is now leading an intensive investigation into both Peavey’s death and the whereabouts of the stolen puppies. Authorities believe the puppies may have been sold on social media or through other channels since August 20.
Colorado dog breeder killed, 10 Doberman puppies stolen: ‘His dogs were his life’ https://t.co/TMSuS9CS2z pic.twitter.com/CJ8WST68V0
— New York Post (@nypost) August 28, 2024
Law enforcement is urging anyone who recently purchased a Doberman puppy from central Colorado to come forward. The stolen puppies are all microchipped, which could aid in their identification and recovery.
“Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office deputies are asking for help locating as many as 10 missing Doberman puppies that may help solve a homicide in Colorado’s high country,” stated a report from CBS Colorado.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge. While authorities have stated that the public is not believed to be in imminent danger, the brutal nature of this crime has left many feeling uneasy. The loss of a respected community member and the theft of innocent puppies serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and community support in times of crisis.
