Woman accused of stealing daisy fund donation jar from vet's office arrested

PLEASANT HILLS, Pa. — Police say they caught the woman accused of stealing a donation jar from a PetVet365 clinic in Pleasant Hills the following day after receiving a report of someone panhandling nearby.

The woman was captured on surveillance video at the clinic picking up the donation jar, hiding it under her jacket and walking out the door.

The clinic’s owner said the woman appeared to know exactly what she was taking.

Before stealing the jar, she removed a sign explaining that the donations were for the Daisy Fund, which helps local pets get the care they need.

Dr. Ashley Smith-Miller, the veterinarian and owner of the clinic, estimates there was between $400 and $500 in the jar.

“It’s like a gut punch. It’s sickening. Any kind of robbery is bad, but to take from animals, an animal charity, I don’t understand how someone can do that,” Smith-Miller said.

Pet owners who learned about the theft were also upset.

“It’s kinda low stealing from donations for pets,” Linda Ries said.

Joey Fisher, whose cat was at the clinic for a vaccine booster, said he was disappointed someone would steal money intended to help animals.

“I think it’s pretty unfortunate. Not a cool thing to do,” Fisher said.

Fisher said he hopes people will continue to look out for one another.

“If you recognize her, step up and do the right thing. I think we need more of that in this world,” he said.

Pleasant Hills police later located and arrested the woman after receiving a report of someone panhandling in the area.

The veterinarian says she hopes the theft ultimately brings more attention to the Daisy Fund and helps more animals.

“I guess the silver lining is maybe we can bring more recognition to it and help more animals. That would be wonderful,” she said.

If you’d like to donate to the Daisy Fund, go to Veterinary Practice Donation | Veterinary Care Foundation. Select PetVet365 Pittsburgh Daisy Fund from the dropdown menu.

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