SPRINGFIELD, Va. — Police are asking for the public's help to find a French bulldog stolen from a home in Springfield. It's the latest incident of dog theft in the D.C. region.
Fairfax County Police say officers responded to the 7500 block of Tralee Woods Court just before 8 a.m. on Monday for a report of a burglary.
Responding officers learned that the victim in the burglary was alerted by a family friend that her dogs were running loose. The friend was able to wrangle two of the dogs, but a third dog, a Frenchie named Queen, was nowhere to be found.
Detectives determined that someone had entered the victim's home and attempted to take all three pups, but was unsuccessful. He took Queen and left, according to police. Surveillance images shared by police show the man carrying Queen to a four-door Nissan sedan, possibly an Altima or a Sentra, and leaving the area.
The man is described as being about 5 feet 8 inches tall, wearing a white T-shirt, gray shorts and blue Crocs.
Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call the West Springfield District Station at 703-644-7377 and ask to speak with a detective. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477).
Breeders say there is a demand for Frenchies.
A local French bulldog breeder told WUSA9 she sees an uptick in stolen 'Frenchies' during the holiday season because they are a breed that is often gifted.
French Bulldogs are the most popular dog breed in the U.S., according to the American Kennel Club.
A search on Puppies.com shows that some Frenchies are sold locally for up to $50,000.
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.