From the ArcaMax Publishing, Weird News Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/weirdnews/s-570177-443240
ABINGTON, Va. (UPI) -- The 27 painted wolf statues in Abington, Va.,
are an endangered species after two were stolen soon after they were
placed throughout town, police say.
Police and local officials said the wolf statues were noticed missing
from outside of the Barter Theatre and a downtown business Monday,
only two days after they had been installed,
The wolves were decorated by local artists, with themes including
flags, eagles, butterflies, tuxedos and polka dots. They also have
names such as Hollywolf Incognito and Earth, Wind and Flowers. The
statues are to be on display until October when they will be auctioned
off to benefit Advance Abingdon, the town's Main Street organization.
"Some number of people (who stole the statues) have managed to spoil
what's probably one of the greatest things that's happened in Abingdon
in a long time," said Gary Kimbrell, the president of Advance Abingdon
who championed the wolf statuary.
Kimbrell said the city will not press charges if the missing wolves
are returned voluntarily.
"If they'll bring them back and put them at Town Hall, put them back
where they were, we'll let them go," he said. "Something that should
be a great day for Abingdon has ended up being a sad day because of
what they've done."