What started as a quick grocery stop at a Gwinnett County Kroger on March 23 turned into a full-blown dog-napping drama, police say, after a group of young people scooped up a French bulldog named Coco from the parking lot. Detectives later tracked the group through a social media post and got Coco back to her owner, David Fisher. Two young women were arrested and now face misdemeanor theft charges.
Security camera footage shows Coco slipping out of Fisher’s car, which had been left with the window slightly open, then wandering away before several people pick her up and place her into a vehicle, according to WSB-TV. Investigators told the station the group later posted video of taking Coco on social media, which helped detectives identify one woman in the clip, trace others in the group and ultimately return the dog unharmed to Fisher.
An exchange between a detective and one of the women was also captured on video, according to WSB-TV. When the detective asked, “You have the dog, correct?” the woman replied, “We gave the dog to a man who said it’s his, and I didn’t steal no dog either. We found the dog.” Police said that account did not match the timeline shown in the social media clip and that another family member eventually led officers to Coco.
Why Frenchies Are Targets
French bulldogs are in such high demand that they can bring in serious money on the resale market, which makes them frequent targets for thieves. An analysis by insurer Direct Line found French bulldogs were the most stolen breed in 2024, a trend that has prompted warnings from animal welfare groups and insurers, according to Direct Line.
Tips For Pet Owners
Authorities and animal advocates say pet owners can reduce risk with a few basic precautions. Keep dogs in sight whenever you have to stop and do not leave them unattended in a vehicle, even with a window cracked, since small dogs can slip out and be taken. Make sure pets are microchipped with up to date contact information, keep clear recent photos and veterinary records on hand, and report any theft to local police and microchip registries so details can be shared quickly. Community alerts and social media posts can also speed recoveries, as investigators say they did in Coco’s case.
