ohmidog!

Two men have been arrested in connection with the theft of Jaggar, an English bulldog reported missing from a Washington woman’s home and later found dead.

Cowlitz County deputies arrested Jesse James Clark, 38, of Kelso, and Johnny Lee Jordan, 39, of Longview, on Wednesday, according to a report in The Columbian.

Clark was charged with possession of stolen property and giving false and misleading statements to a law enforcement officer. Jordan was charged with possession of stolen property and extortion.

According to the sheriff’s office, additional arrests and  charges are still possible.

The sheriff’s office said Clark and Jordan aren’t facing animal cruelty charges because prosecutors would have to prove in court that they killed the dog. Investigators remain uncertain about who killed Jaggar and why.

Jennifer Thomas reported her dog missing on Oct. 4. A few days later, she said, she received threatening text messages demanding cash and prescription pain medication for the dog’s safe return.

On Oct. 24, the sheriff’s office received a report from a resident who saw the body of a dog lying along railroad tracks in Kelso. It turned out to be Jaggar, who officials say apparently was placed on the railroad tracks and hit by a passing train.

After news reports appeared about the dog being found dead, the sheriff’s office received a tip from a witness who reported seeing Jaggar at Clark’s home in Kelso.

Based on information provided by Clark after his arrest Tuesday, deputies searched Jordan’s home in Longview. There, officials said, they found a cell phone that was used to contact Thomas on Oct. 8.

“This is a felony theft and extortion case,” Cowlitz Sheriff Mark Nelson said in a press release. “It just happened to be that the thing stolen was a dog; someone’s pet and part of her family. And while we’re happy to clear the case with these arrests, we’re all sorry that Jagger was not recovered alive.”

Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to call 360-577-3092.