When a thief tried to sell their stolen dog online, the owners set up a clever trap — and it led police straight to his door

In Troy, Michigan, a case involving a missing French Bulldog revealed just how far some pet owners will go to protect what matters most. As the popularity and value of certain dog breeds continue to rise, so do the risks of theft and deception. In this incident, due to a mix-up, the dog initially ended up in the wrong hands after someone came forward claiming to be the rightful owner with what appeared to be convincing proof. When the actual owners discovered their canine, they were determined to get their beloved pet back, with the help of the police and a carefully planned operation.

As reported by Click On Detroit, the trouble began when a local woman found a lost French Bulldog in her backyard. Hoping to reunite the dog with its rightful owners, she posted a photo on Facebook. Soon after, a man contacted her claiming the dog was his. He shared convincing photos and information, and the woman, believing him, handed the dog over. Unfortunately, he was not the real owner. Later that day, the actual owners of the dog, named Fats, reached out to the woman. But by then, the dog and the man were gone.

After trying to get in touch with the thief who took the dog, the owners found out that Fats had been listed for sale online, per Kansas City. That’s when they decided to take matters into their own hands. Pretending to be interested buyers, the owners arranged a meeting with the seller, who was later identified as 24-year-old Malik Deshawn Motley. When Motley arrived, police were already at the scene. “Upon arrival, officers located the suspect vehicle, the dog’s owner, and the French Bulldog,” Troy police said. Fats was safely recovered and reunited with his family. Motley was arrested and charged with larceny between $1,000 and $20,000, a felony under Michigan law.

In June 2025, Motley pleaded no contest to the charge. On August 11, he was sentenced to 40 days in jail and ordered to pay a $130 victim rights fee. While the legal outcome brought some closure, it was the quick thinking and determination of Fats’ owners that ultimately ensured his return. Dog thefts have been on the rise recently, with many similar cases coming to light. In another such case, a determined owner was able to stop a fraudulent sale and rescue her beloved canine.
The woman shared how her small dog, a Yorkie, was stolen right out of her fenced yard while she and her daughter were getting ready for a trip to a water park. After searching and putting up flyers, she began to lose hope until she unexpectedly spotted a man holding her dog at a Kroger store, nearly 30 minutes from her home. When she confronted him, he demanded $1,500, claiming he bought the dog from someone else. Acting quickly, she told him her mother was bringing the money, but instead called the police. They arrived and confirmed the dog was rightfully hers, allowing her to reunite with her pet successfully.