Surveillance cameras may be pricey, but in this case, probably worth it. Maybe you or your husband could stay up all night and keep watch for a few nights--again, you would be tired, but it would be worth it.
As soon as you get to the bottom of this situation, call the cops--no more mrs. nice guy--this has gone too far.

And thank God that Angel found your dogs for you and called--God Bless him, and I hope he and his family soon fall on better times.