Thieves steal puppies in Reno; mother dog killed

RENO " Reno police say two English bulldog puppies were stolen from a home and the mother dog was struck and killed by the thieves' getaway car.

Officers say the bandits forced their way into the home around 1:40 a.m.

Wednesday, took the puppies valued at $1,800 each from their kennel, and ran to a waiting vehicle parked on the street.

Police Lt. Robert McDonald said one of the homeowners ran after the suspects but was struck by their vehicle as they fled. He suffered scrapes and bruises but was not seriously injured.

McDonald say the mother dog, a 5-year-old bulldog named Wendy, followed her owner out the door and was struck and killed by the fleeing dognappers.

Investigators said the puppies had been advertised for sale.