Dog theft is one of a pet parent’s greatest fears. The thought that a fur baby could be taken is scary enough, but that it could be a violent incident is even more terrifying. A dog mom in Bell Gardens, California, was recently the victim of one such brutal attack, when a woman punched her in the face, then stole her Maltipoo puppy in broad daylight.
Maltipoo Puppy Stolen on Sidewalk in Broad Daylight
Around 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 30, the dog mom was standing on a sidewalk in Bells Gardens with her 1-month-old pup. A woman approached her and snatched the canine. The dog mom attempted to grab her fur baby back, but the suspect physically assaulted her and pepper-sprayed her face.
The violent robbery was caught on videotape by a local business owner, who called the police and provided surveillance system footage. In the clip, which was posted to Facebook and Twitter by Bell Gardens police but has since been removed, the dog mom is seen getting punched in the face and being thrown down on the sidewalk.
While the suspect originally had the dog in her arms during the scuffle, the Maltipoo eventually ended up limp on the ground. In the background, a third woman was seen walking around the beatdown, transfixed by her phone and seemingly unconcerned about anyone’s safety. Another video clip showed the suspect fleeing the scene with the puppy.
Search for Dognapper Continues
Following the altercation, the dog mom was treated for “substantial injuries” at a medical facility, according to police.
The suspect, however, remains at large. The dognapper is described as an 18- to 25-year-old woman with auburn hair and a medium build. She was wearing a black T-shirt and red-and-black pajama pants at the time of the incident.
Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity or the dog’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Bell Gardens police.
