The owner of a pet store claims that dogs are worth $100,000 and is offering a prize for information on the animals and suspects.
Police are looking for suspects in the theft of a dozen French bulldogs worth more than $100,000 from a southern California pet business.
The robbery occurred early on November 21 at Top Dog Pet Store on Rosecrans Avenue in Gardena, according to authorities.
“They ran to where the dogs were, grabbed the cages, dragged them out, and tossed them into the van,” shop owner Andres Avalos said after viewing CCTV footage. “They came in through the front door, kicked the door open, turned the light on, grabbed the dogs, and took off.”
Footage shows a large white vehicle being opened up before to the relocation of pets.
“They literally grabbed them and tossed them in the van like they were stuffed animals,” stated Avalos. “It’s horrible.”
One of the 12 dogs stolen by the four masked men was a 10-month-old show dog named “Roll X.” The crooks allegedly stole $2,000 from the cash register as well.
“It’s a big financial loss,” Avalos added. “The dogs were worth more than $100,000.” We use those dogs for breeding, which is how we make a living. It’ll be more difficult to get by now that the dogs are gone.”
The owner, who claims to be more concerned about the dogs than about the financial loss, is offering a monetary prize to anyone who helps locate the animals and suspects.
“The dogs are well known in the dog community,” Avalos said, referring to social media posts about the stolen pets. “The community is really coming together and assisting greatly.” We appreciate that they came together to assist us during this difficult period.”
