Dog Stolen From Owner At Detroit Gas Station

One of a pet owners greatest fears happened at a Gas Station in Detroit

Early on March 17th, a dog was stolen directly from his owner. The crime happened in Detroit on the corner of Van Dyke and 7 mile in a gas station parking lot.

According to the Detroit Free Press, this is how the crime played out...

Police said a 58-year-old man was standing outside with his dog when an unknown man pulled up to in a blue 2000 Ford Explorer and began talking to him. The other man started petting the dog, then removed its collar and picked him up. When the dog's owner attempted to take the dog back. the other man became aggressive. A woman hopped out of the SUV and began assaulting the dog owner, while the other man placed the dog in the Explorer.

The man who stole the dog was wear jeans, glasses and a green baseball cap. The woman who physically attacked the pet owner was wearing dark colored and white striped jacket, khaki pants and brown boots.

The license plate for the Ford Explorer is DRV4782, and there is a dent on the rear bumper under the plate. Police are asking for anyone with information should contact the Detroit Police Department at 313-596-1140, or Crimestoppers at 1-800SPEAK-UP.

This crime would break my heart, if anyone stole my dog, I would be besides myself.

Here are some tips from Paws.org on how to protect your pets...

Keep your pet indoors, especially when you are not at home.
Do not let your pet, even your cat, roam freely, unsupervised in your neighborhood.
Keep your dog on a leash when you go for a walk.
Properly identify your cats and dogs. Keep a collar and up-to-date ID tag and license on the collar, so he can quickly be reunited with you if he is lost. Give your pet additional security with a microchip.
Spay or neuter your animal. This will lower his desire to roam and medical laboratories often will not accept animals who have been altered. PAWS offers low-cost spay/neuter surgeries for qualified low-income individuals. We also maintain a list of other low-cost spay/neuter clinics in the Puget Sound.
Do not use "free to good home ads" when looking for a new home for your pet. Do not place your pet in a new home without checking the new guardian's references, visiting the premises, or having the new guardians sign a pet adoption contract. (See more information on finding a new home for your pet.)
Never give animals away for free. Even if you charge a minimal adoption fee of $25, you'll be more likely to deter those who are trying to scam you or harm the animal.
When returning a stray animal to his rightful guardian, request proof of ownership, including photos of the animal, vet records, and/or licensing papers.
Be aware of strangers in the neighborhood, and keep a close eye on what is happening in your community. If you suspect an animal scam is taking place, inform your neighbors immediately. Report anything suspicious to the police.