Pet theft Gold Coast: French bulldog stolen after it escaped from store

Owners of a French Bulldog puppy turned detective after their beloved pet was dognapped from a busy Gold Coast road, tracking down those responsible in an incredible turn of events.

HOW far would you go to rescue your kidnapped dog?

It’s a question Reece Wangman never thought he would have to ask himself, but the French Bulldog owner found out yesterday when he ran a car off the road to get 14-week-old Mia back.

Mr Wangman said he’d taken Mia out of her little enclosure inside his Super Vape Store in Nerang, before the pup gave chase of another dog.

“We were cleaning out the puppy pen … and turned our back for 30 seconds,” Mr Wangman said.

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Owner Reece Wangman chased a car yesterday morning and ran the woman off the road to get his dog beloved pup back. Picture Glenn Hampson

“They usually just play around. She wouldn’t go very far, she’s in the shop every day, but she’s run out when another dog has come past and chased it about three shops up the street.

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“A lady just pulled up and a kid got out of the car and threw her in the car. She told everyone there that it was her dog and drove off.”

The rescue mission played out like Hollywood blockbuster Taken when they tracked down the kidnappers.

“We got security footage and spent all night driving up and down for this car, a white Daewoo. We just drove up and down, up and down, but couldn’t find anything.

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Mia was lucky to find her way back within 24 hours. Picture Glenn Hampson

“I knew the car and I saw one of the kids had a school uniform on … I decided I would go have a look at the school in the morning.

“I went and sat in the drop-off bay at the school, while Chris (co-worker) went and spoke with the principal to see if they could put something over the PA.

“I just wanted my dog back. As he was in the school, I’ve seen the car. I’ve gone to go up to her and she’s taken off.”

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Mr Wangman said he gave chase, not letting the woman get away with his beloved pet.

“I chased her and run her off the road a little bit.

“I got my dog back, she was in the car with this woman. She totally admitted she planned on keeping it and was going to give it to her grandchildren, because she knew how expensive Mia was worth (they sell for thousands of dollars).

Reece Wangman. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Once I saw that car, I wasn’t letting go, it was a fair chase.

“I never thought I’d have to do something like this, but I didn’t think twice about doing it.”

Mr Wangman said Mia was part of the family.

“They were feeding her the wrong food, she smelt like an ashtray. It broke my heart.

“As soon as she saw me, she’s never been so excited, she peed all over me.

“She’s cool man, runs around the shop, we watch her the whole time.

“She was the runt of the litter, the smallest one there, we’ve raised her up.

“She’s like my child. I wasn’t letting anyone take her.”

Police are investigating the dognapping.