PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WSAZ) -- A local case of what some are calling "vigilante dognapping" has sparked an alleged assault -- even death threats over something that's gone viral on Facebook.

WSAZ.com found several sides of what some say started out as a Good Samaritan act.

Neighbors in Portsmouth reported last Thursday what they thought was a starving, abandoned dog.

The city animal control officer responded. She says she was handling the incident by the book when the dog was stolen, according to the city. Others say the dog was rescued.

The aftermath was posted on Facebook for all to interpret -- many going to extremes

Animal control officer Wendy Payton says when she checked on the black dog on Laurel Street, she saw a skinny, sick animal with food, water, shelter and no one home.

She posted a 24-hour notice of contact or confiscation on the house. Payton says dog owner Carrie DeLotell contacted her promptly and agreed to take her dog Tyson to the vet.

But later that day, both say Tyson was stolen from the house by an unauthorized humane society volunteer.

“To go on someone's property and take a dog without leaving notice is just unacceptable,” Payton said.

Tyson was taken to the Scioto Trail Animal Clinic where the vet says the dog was underweight. It was diagnosed with worms and mange.

But, the vet adds that Tyson's condition was likely the result -- not of neglect -- but an owner acting as a vet.

“One of self diagnosis and self medication --using the wrong meds,” Dr. Dennis Wilcox said.

DeLotell said, "My dog was in no danger of dying; it did need a vet.”

She reported her dog stolen to Payton, who found the dog at the animal clinic and returned it.

The incident ignited volatile posts on Facebook -- with threats against both owner and officer.

”I was threatened that I should be chained outside and starved to death until I am dead,” Payton said.

DeLotell said, "I got spit on and punched in the face. I’ve been harassed, threatened, cussed at and stalked on Facebook.

She added that her children have been threatened over this; she now carries a gun and says she may have to move. She also may file criminal charges against the alleged dog thief.

We talked to the president of the Scioto Area Humane Society who says her volunteer member had every right to take a dog thought to be neglected and abandoned.