Cashew the stolen Staffy returned to RSPCA, police still looking for thief in Pennywise mask

A puppy that was stolen from an RSPCA shelter by a person wearing a clown mask has been rescued by police – but the alleged thief remains on the run.

A four-month-old puppy stolen by a person wearing a clown mask has been rescued and returned to the relieved staff members of an RSPCA shelter north of Brisbane.

Cashew, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix, was allegedly stolen by a person who used a grinder to break into the RSPCA Dakabin shelter on Saturday about 2am.

Queensland Police confirmed the puppy had been found at a Mango Hill residence on Wednesday afternoon.

RSPCA spokeswoman Emma Lagoon said the organisation was overjoyed at Cashew’s safe return.

Cashew had been desexed and was going to be picked up by her new family on Saturday. Picture: RSPCA Queensland

“We’re thrilled and so excited she’s back and we can’t thank police and the public enough for their concern.

“It’s just the best news.”

On Tuesday, the RSPCA revealed the puppy had been nabbed on the day she was meant to be adopted out to her new family and released CCTV of the incident.

Cashew was stolen from RSPCA Dakabin on Saturday. Picture: RSPCA Queensland

In the footage, a person wearing a mask resembling Pennywise the clown from Stephen King’s It, can be seen walking into the shelter and grabbing a cat bed that they put over their head.

The alleged thief then walks into the animal shelter and uses a grinder to cut open the enclosure and grab Cashew.

Police confirmed nobody was in custody over the incident and investigations were continuing.

If you have any information of the whereabouts of Cashew please call the RSPCA 24/7 hotline on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).

Alternatively, call Queensland Police 1800 333 000 with reference QP2200470989.