A man whose Bristol home was burgled while he attended Notting Hill Carnival is seeking the return of his beloved bulldog puppy. Antonio Soares was in London for Europe’s biggest street party when someone entered his property in Hanham and made off with the dog.
Antonio, 24, had only had the 11-week-old American Bulldog named Chapo for two weeks, when the pet was taken. “It’s very distressing,” said Antonio. “It leaves a hole in my heart.
“He really helped me get through certain situations, so that’s why it’s hurting so much. I was looking forward to coming home and seeing and playing with him and playing with him.”
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Antonio left the pet in the care of family members, but said there was a time when they were out. When they got back, Chapo had gone.
He suspects the person who took the dog is known to him. Avon and Somerset Police is now investigating, and has asked neighbours to come forward if they saw anything suspicious.
A police spokesperson said: “We’re investigating a burglary in the St George area of Bristol in which a quantity of cash and an American Bulldog puppy were stolen. The incident happened at approximately 4pm on Monday 29 August.
“As part of our inquiry officers have visited neighbouring properties to see if anyone witnessed anything, have reviewed CCTV from the area and specialist crime scene investigators have also attended the address.
“Anyone who has recently been offered a grey and white American Bulldog puppy, or who has any information which could help, is asked to call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5222208802.”
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