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ORANGE COUNTY, Florida – The theft of a French bulldog named Bugsy led Orange County MPs to make a disturbing discovery of animal cruelty, officials said.
Bugsy was stolen at gunpoint by its owner in March, and investigations into his theft uncovered shady underground dog-trading organizations, MPs said.
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Orange County Sheriff John Mina was escorted by his detectives to describe the alleged criminal activity.
See Orange County MPs update on this investigation:
Mina said his investigators had been led down a “dark and unsettling path of animal cruelty and the puppy trade”.
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MPs said the investigation uncovered break-ins into pet shops and an underground puppy “chop shop” where suspects cut out the microchips from under the animals’ meat.
When detectives began investigating the robbery of a # French bulldog named Bugsy who was torn away at gunpoint by its owner on Hiawassee Road in March, they had no idea they were entering a dark, unsettling world of dog trading and puppy- “Chop Shops” # would lead. AnimalCruelty pic.twitter.com/ShNq9EduJs
– Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) November 5, 2021
“These pets were kept in extremely deplorable conditions,” said Mina.
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MPs said the suspect would either dump the pups for cash or keep them for breeding.
MPs said Bugsy was in good health and reunited with his family.
See more in the video above.
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