Theft of Lady Gaga’s French Bulldogs

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Kerianne O' Gara, Staff Writer

February 24 was a horrific day for Lady Gaga.

The famous pop star is currently in Rome, Italy filming a new movie, while her three French bulldogs remained in the U.S. Around 9:40 pm on that Wednesday, Lady Gaga’s dog walker and close friend Ryan Fischer was walking the dogs when the two suspects approached him in a white Nissan Altima. They demanded he hand over the dogs and when Fischer put up a fight, he was shot in the chest and the kidnappers took off. They managed to get away with two of the dogs, Koji and Gustav. Fortunately, the third dog, Asia, was able to escape and was safely recovered.

Ryan Fischer was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga was distraught over the whole situation. Not only had her close friend been injured, but two of her beloved dogs had been stolen as well. Many of her fans have expressed their sorrow for her on social media. The singer declared that a $500,000 reward would be granted for their return, no questions asked. Police attempted to identify the suspects using video footage from a home surveillance camera that captured the incident.

It is unknown whether or not the kidnappers knew who the dogs belonged to. French bulldogs are often stolen because they are extremely valuable and in high demand. They are described by the American Kennel Club as, “one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible.” Puppies generally sell for between $1,500 and $3,000, but can sell for much more. One breeder estimated that a stolen puppy would most likely sell for about $2,000.

Much to everyone’s relief, on Friday, February 27, two days after the theft, the dogs were both returned, safe and unharmed. They were turned in to the Olympic Community Police Station in Los Angeles around 6 p.m. by a woman who is currently unidentified. The woman seemingly was not involved with the dog thieves, and claims to have discovered the dogs tied to a pole in an alley and recognized them from all the media attention they were receiving.

Lady Gaga was overjoyed to receive the news that Koji and Gustav were found and uninjured. In addition to their return, the dog walker Ryan Fischer is currently in stable condition with non-fatal injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. No arrests have been made in the case so far, as the whereabouts of the suspects are still unknown. Police hope to find them soon, but for now, Lady Gaga’s family is relieved that both the dogs and Fischer are alright.