Dak was left by his owner inside their parked car in the 1000 block of U Street, Northwest.
WASHINGTON — DC Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a stolen 10-week-old French Bulldog named Dak.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, shortly after 7:45 p.m., Dak was left by his owner inside their parked car in the 1000 block of U Street, Northwest. When his owner returned a short time later, they found the back passenger vehicle broken and Dak missing.
Police released a photo of the 10-week-old puppy on Monday. Anyone who has since Dak, or knows where he may be, is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or through the department’s tip line at 50411. There is a $1,000 reward available to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for a crime committed in D.C.
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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