WOODLAND, Wash., Oct. 19 (UPI) -- An English bulldog in Washington state was kidnapped and held for $1,000 ransom and prescription pain pills, the dog's owner said.
Jennifer Thomas of Woodland said her dog Jaggar disappeared Oct. 4 after she witnessed an unknown couple in her driveway. A few days later, she began receiving text messages threatening to torture and kill the dog if she didn't give the dog thieves money and pills, ABC News reported Wednesday.
"The first one was, 'I'm the call you have been waiting for, do exactly as I say and your dog won't be hurt,' " Thomas said of the messages.
Thomas said the dog's abductors demanded she not contact police; however, she filed a report with local authorities.
"Ms. Thomas notified the sheriff's office and an investigation is ongoing for theft and extortion," said Chief Deputy Corey Huffine. "We have tips and leads. Every possible measure is being taken to locate Jaggar."
