WASHINGTON — A 7-month-old pit bull puppy is back home after she was taken from her home during a burglary on New Year's Eve.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, two people knocked on the door of a home in the 100 block of Atlantic Street, Southeast shortly before 7:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve. When the resident answered, the thieves pushed their way into the home and assaulted the victim. The pair then grabbed the pit bull puppy, named Lola, and ran away.
Police released a photo of Lola in hopes of getting tips on where the puppy may be or who may have taken her. Two days later, Lola was turned in to police by a concerned citizen. Officers contacted Lola's owner, who confirmed the dog's identity and the pair were reunited.
As for who took Lola, police say they are still investigating. Anyone with information may contact detectives at (202) 727-9099 or text the department's tip line at 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for a crime committed in the District of Columbia.
The D.C. Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) says robbers are looking for dogs that are easy to carry and can be resold for thousands of dollars.
"It's a quick buck that someone is able to make and it's easy to snatch from someone that is unsuspecting," Dan D'Eramo with the HRA told WUSA9.
D'Eramo says these robberies are not an indication that dogs are in a crisis in the District, but simply a crime of opportunity.
The HRA has issued a series of recommendations for pet owners:
Identification
Make sure that your pet is microchipped and that your contact information on file is up-to-date.
Your pet should always wear a collar and ID tag with your name, phone number, and current address on it.
Take clear photographs of your pet from various angles and update them regularly. Make note of any distinguishing features that could be helpful in identifying your pet.
Keep photographs of yourself with your pet, as well as veterinary records and adoption or purchase paperwork to substantiate yourself as the owner.
Be aware
Don’t leave your pet anywhere that you would not leave a small child. For example, never leave your dog tied up or unattended outside (even in your own backyard) or alone inside a car.
Keep your pet on a leash, and if you let them off leash, practice recall and make sure they are in view at all times. We advise against retractable leashes that can break and provide less control than a standard 6-foot lead.
Always be vigilant of your surroundings and take note of any suspicious behavior.
What to do if your pet is kidnapped
File a report with the police as a theft (rather than a lost animal). While we believe pets are family, in many states, pets are deemed personal property and the police will be a critical resource in your pet's recovery.
Contact local veterinarians, groomers, and animal shelters to report your pet as missing or kidnapped. Include information about where they went missing, their description, updated photos, and any important medical information.
If possible, report your pet as missing or kidnapped through your microchip agency.
Harness the power of social media and lost/found websites. Post key information and photos on sites such as Facebook, Nextdoor, Pawboost, and Petco Love Lost. Ask neighbors, family, and friends to share your post with their network.
Reach out to neighbors in the area where your pet went missing to see if they have any surveillance footage that may be helpful in locating your kidnapped pet.
Create flyers or posters using neon-colored paper or poster board to draw attention. Use a clear call-to-action at the top of the poster such as “LOST DOG/CAT” or “PLEASE HELP.” Include brief information about how to contact you and a recent photo of your pet. Weatherproof your posters or flyers by covering them with clear packaging tape or by inserting them into a plastic sheet protector.
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