Investigation Underway as Dog Breeder Found Dead, Ten Doberman Puppies Missing

A dog breeder has been discovered deceased, and authorities are investigating the potential homicide alongside the disappearance of up to ten Doberman puppies. Paul Peavey, 57, was last heard from on the night of August 19, and was reported missing on the evening of August 21, prompting an investigation by the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and the 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

On August 24, a private search party found an adult male body shortly before noon. The Clear Creek County coroner has since confirmed that the body was indeed Peavey’s, and an autopsy is scheduled to establish the cause and manner of his death.

Peavey was known for breeding Doberman dogs, and reports indicate that several puppies went missing from his property following his death. Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance, stating that as many as ten puppies might have been sold via social media or other channels since August 20. All of Peavey’s puppies are microchipped, and anyone who has acquired a Doberman in central Colorado within the past week is urged to check for a microchip and contact the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office at 303-679-2393 or via email at [email protected]. This information could help identify if the puppy belongs to Peavey.

Additionally, anyone who purchased a puppy from Peavey’s business, Elite European Dobermans, since June 2024 is encouraged to reach out to the sheriff’s office. This outreach will assist authorities in determining how many puppies remain unaccounted for.

The investigation is still in its early stages, and police plan to provide further updates that won’t compromise the investigation or future court proceedings. They stressed that finding the missing puppies could also lead to crucial insights into Peavey’s homicide. The sheriff’s office has expressed gratitude for the tips received regarding the missing puppies.