Two of Lady Gaga’s dogs have been stolen after her dog walker was shot in Hollywood last night. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Vulture that shots were fired in the area of the alleged theft around 11:40 p.m., with two French bulldogs stolen and the gunshot victim hospitalized. TMZ first reported the news, confirming that Gaga’s dogs Koji and Gustav were stolen. The singer’s third dog, Miss Asia, was recovered by her bodyguard. Police said the suspect used a semiautomatic handgun and left in a white vehicle, but no arrests have been made. The dog walker is expected to recover, according to TMZ.
Lady Gaga was in Rome at the time of the incident for her role in Ridley Scott’s upcoming movie Gucci. Sources told TMZ that the performer is offering a $500,000 reward if her dogs are returned, “no questions asked.†She has set up an email address, [email protected], for information about the dogs. TMZ also noted that Gaga may not have been specifically targeted, as French bulldogs can be targets of theft because of their high market value.
Update, February 26, 3:45 p.m.: Lady Gaga’s dog walker is expected to recover after being shot. Police told People Ryan Fischer was shot one time in the chest, while his family told TMZ, “Ryan is receiving extraordinary care in the hospital right now and his doctors expect him to make a full recovery.†An LAPD captain told People that the suspects are “probably individuals that recognize the value of the dogs,†and that police are investigating whether the theft was targeted.
Update, February 26, 5:10 p.m.: Lady Gaga has spoken about the shooting and theft on Twitter. “My beloved dogs Koji and Gustav were taken in Hollywood two nights ago. My heart is sick and I am praying my family will be whole again with an act of kindness,†she tweeted, with photos of the dogs and information about the reward. “If you bought or found them unknowingly, the reward is the same,†she added in a new tweet. “I continue to love you Ryan Fischer, you risked your life to fight for our family,†she wrote of her dog walker. “You’re forever a hero.â€