French Bulldog Stolen At Jersey City Train Station Is Reunited With Owner Months Later

JERSEY CITY, NJ — French bulldogs have become a popular breed, with costs exceeding $2,000 per pup. As a result, thefts have increased as well. In 2021, singer Lady Gaga's dog walker was shot in the chest by thieves who grabbed her three Frenchies. She got them back after offering a $500,000 reward.

A New Jersey dog owner was victimized by dognappers as well this past spring, when his Frenchie, Eli, was swiped from a Hudson-Bergen Light Rail station and brought across state lines, NJ Transit police said Thursday.

But now the Frenchie has been reunited with his owner, the transit agency said this week.

In a message Thursday, NJ Transit noted, "Recently, New Jersey Transit Police Officers from the Anti-Crime Unit helped to bring Eli, a stolen French Bulldog, home to his rightful owner. Earlier this spring, Eli was stolen from the Danforth Avenue Station on the HBLR. He was ultimately taken across state lines.

"District 3 Anti-Crime Officers picked up the trail and a relentless search to bring Eli home. The Anti-Crime Officers shared this photo of Eli reunited in his owner’s arms."

They added, "New Jersey Transit Police Anti-Crime officers often operate in a plain clothes/undercover capacity. Although they may visibly go unnoticed, their hard work continues to make a significant impact throughout the system."

Read more about another recent French bulldog theft in New Jersey here.