NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida man is desperate to get his dog back after, he said, he was notified his missing pet is being held for ransom.
Northwest Miami-Dade resident Arthur Soares said Buster, his 6-year-old Boston terrier, vanished on Thursday. “The absence is killing us,” he said.
Soares said his pet’s disappearance is related to a prowler problem. “So he’s actually walking off with our grill,” he said as he showed 7News surveillance video of his yard.
The footage captured a man walking through the property, at 301 N.W. 81st St. Soares said the perpetrator didn’t take Buster, but he also neglected to close the gate behind him. “I got out here to the gate, and the gate was ajar,” said Soares.
That is when he realized something was wrong. “There was just that sense that he was gone,” said Soares.
Soares keeps an emergency cellphone that is printed on Buster’s collar. On the day he went missing, the owner said, the person who had him started texting. “I have ur dog,” read the first text.
Moments later, a phone call came in from the number 786-322-3576. The person on the other end of the line would make it clear to Soares that a $100 reward for Buster’s safe return would not be enough.
“They hung up. Within 24 hours, we get a text, ‘We want $300,'” said Soares.
Soares told the person holding Buster he was prepared to meet the demand, but then that individual stopped responding.
Buster’s owner has resorted to a Craigslist posting to look for help, announcing, “Boston Terrier BEING HELD FOR RANSOM.” So far, he’s had no luck.
“The absence is troubling,” said Soares.
And with each passing day, there’s growing concern over Buster’s health. He takes phenobarbital to treat a seizure disorder. “He can die from these seizures, no doubt about it,” said Soares.
Soares said the reward is still available for Buster’s safe return, no questions asked. “Have a heart and get him back to us,” he said. “Let’s make the arrangements, and let’s get this thing done.”
If you have any information on Buster’s whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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