Swiss authorities have successfully recovered two Bolonka dogs, which were kidnapped from a residence in Schlieren, near Zurich, and held for a ransom of £880,000. The incident occurred last week when the 59-year-old owner of the dogs was away from home. Upon returning, the man discovered a ransom note demanding 1 million Swiss francs (approximately £880,000) for the safe return of his beloved pets.
The man immediately contacted Zurich police, who initiated an investigation. After a week of searching, a 30-year-old suspect was apprehended at Zurich Airport. Authorities believe the individual is linked to the kidnapping. In coordination with Polish law enforcement, a second suspect, a 38-year-old, was also arrested.
The stolen dogs were successfully recovered on Friday and returned to their relieved owner. While the 30-year-old suspect is currently in custody, Polish authorities are continuing their investigation into the 38-year-old individual. Both suspects’ identities remain undisclosed.
Bolonkas, a small breed originating from Russia, are highly sought after due to their affectionate and intelligent nature. These designer dogs typically cost between £1,200 and £2,300, with some fetching even higher prices.
This case highlights the increasing value placed on pets, with many considering their animals as beloved family members.