Accused in dog-napping case seeks legal aid

A 50-year-old woman accused of breaking into a Riverside Drive home in April and stealing a dog had her second court appearance June 4.

A third court date was set for June 11 at 1:30 p.m. to give Heather Zeffer time to determine if she qualifies for legal aid.

She has been charged with break, enter and theft, possession of property obtained by crime, and mischief.

The incident that led to the charges — the April 9 theft of Partner the German Shepherd from Neil and Tabatha Haskett's home — was caught on video cameras placed around the outside of their property.

When social media tips led them to the alleged dog-napper, they filmed the dramatic confrontation on their cellphone.

In the days after the incident, Zeffer contacted Northern Life, and said she took the dog out of concern for its health. However, the vet's office she brought Partner to said he appeared to be in overall good health.

A 19-year-old man is also facing charges in connection to the same incident. He was charged with break, enter and theft, breach of recognizance, and breach of probation.