WFAA-TV

SANSOM PARK - Three female boxers that were rescued from a miserable existence may have fallen right back into an underground world of neglect and abuse.

"Sissy" and "Journey" were rescued from a puppy mill in Young County in September. "Terra" was dumped on the side of a road in early October.

"They've already had a hard life," said Christie Compton, Sansom Park Animal Shelter.

The three female boxers had been living at the small, secluded Sansom Park Animal Shelter for two weeks and were to continue their stay until they could be picked up by a boxer rescue group. The dogs were originally set to be euthanized at another shelter, but were transferred to Sansom Park.

"They were going to get a second chance here to get love and attention in a nice home," Compton said.

But two weeks ago, two men, possible gang members, tried to adopt the dogs.

"They were told that the dogs were not up for adoption and they got upset by that," Compton said.

The men's anger "raised a red flag," Compton said.

That night the boxers vanished from their kennel, which had its lock cut.

"They lured them out with hot dogs," Compton said of the people who took the dogs.

The dogs haven't been seen since that night.

Compton said not knowing how the dogs are and where they are has her concerned.

The girls may have been stolen for breeding, but there is greater concern they may be used as bait. Boxer rescue operations say because of their body structure, boxers are often used to train pit bulls to fight.

"That's just something that I don't even like to think about," Compton said.

Compton has passed out hundreds of flyers and is offering a $3,000 reward for their safe return.

"Whoever took these dogs did it illegally and is up to no good," she said.