French bulldog stolen from Gardena veterinary practice; police searching for suspect

GARDENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Police are searching for the person who stole a French bulldog that belongs to a Gardena veterinary practice.

Menpu was rescued by Amazing Small Animal Practice on Western Avenue along with his best friend Meyou.

The Frenchie was being watched by a staff member's family on Sunday when he escaped through an open window.

The family said they saw a post on the Citizen app later that day alerting that someone had found Menpu, but when they went to pick him up, the dog had already been turned over to a scammer.

"We've posted him all over Citizen app and Nextdoor," said Idania Santana, who works at the veterinary practice. "We posted him all over social media, we've done flyers. We've been looking for him everywhere. He's neutered. There's nothing they can do with him. They're just hurting my child. He's a service dog. He's just in the hands of the wrong people."

The Gardena Police Department is investigating the case. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.