A dog's death may help the case against the animal rights activist accused of stealing the pet.

Jake the dog made national headlines after he was taken from his owners. He died last week.

Jon Riley, Freedom Township police chief, said he doesn't think Jake's death will affect the neglect claims against Jake's owners because there's now no way to tell if he was really abused.

Riley said the dog's death could have the opposite effect for the woman who police said stole the dog. The chief said he has a "slew" of witnesses that said the 19-year-old dog was not mistreated by the Arnold family.

No charges were filed against the Arnolds because Riley said they did nothing wrong.

However, with regard to the kidnapping case against animal rights activist Tammy Grimes, Riley said the dog's death could hurt Grimes' claim that the dog was being neglected.

Blair County District Attorney Rich Consiglio told the Altoona Mirror that "he doesn't understand Grimes' tactics" and said he wonders why Grimes didn't educate the Arnolds on how to take care of Jake in his old age instead of depriving the family the last months of his life.

The case against Grimes is still listed as active in the court system. Grimes is expected to appear back in court on March 19.

Stay with Channel 6 News for continuing coverage.