HALLANDALE BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A car stolen with a pet dog inside has been recovered along with the now-deceased pup.
Broward County Crime Stoppers is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who stole the 2014 black Ford Escape with the small dog named Bootsie inside.
The vehicle was stolen from the Big Easy Casino, along North Federal Highway near Pembroke Road, in Hallandale Beach on Feb. 19.
According to police, Bootsie’s owner was inside the casino and left the pup inside the car, which was running, when it was stolen.
The car was later recovered at the Italian American Civic League in Hollywood, but Bootsie was found dead inside the vehicle.
Patricia Frances, the dog’s owner, described over the phone the pain she felt after losing her pet, who she called her best friend.
“I can tell she was trying to get out because he left the windows up, closed, everything up, and she just suffocated,” she said. “It’s the reason I will never step foot in a casino again.”
If you have any information on this theft, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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