WASHINGTON — Police are asking for the public's help finding a French bulldog that was stolen from his owner's apartment while she was at work.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the dog was taken after someone broke into the owner's apartment in the unit block of Galveston Place, Southwest on Monday around 8 a.m.
The 1-year-old French bulldog, named Franklin, is dark gray and has a mark on his face below his nose. According to a police incident report, Franklin's owner returned home from work to find her apartment door was no longer locked. When she went inside, she noticed Franklin was gone, along with her television.
Police shared photos of Franklin Tuesday evening in hopes that someone would recognize him.
Anyone with information may contact detectives at (202)-727-9099 or text the department's tip line at 50411.
The D.C. Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) has previously said robbers look for dogs that are easy to carry and can be resold for thousands of dollars. They say these robberies are usually 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.
