In 2021, Lady Gaga’s two beloved French bulldogs, Koji and Gustav, were stolen in a violent incident in Hollywood. The theft occurred while her dog walker, Ryan Fischer, was out walking the dogs. During the attack, Fischer was shot and seriously injured.
This shocking event devastated Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta. At the time, she was in Rome filming a movie. Desperate to get her dogs back, she offered a $500,000 reward, saying there would be “no questions asked” for the safe return of her pets.
Two days after the incident, Jennifer McBride returned the dogs to a Los Angeles police station. McBride, however, was later charged with receiving stolen property. Despite her role in the crime, she filed a lawsuit against Lady Gaga in February 2025, claiming she deserved the reward. She argued that Gaga had promised the reward without any conditions and accused the singer of not honouring her word.
McBride also demanded an additional $1.5 million, alleging breach of contract and fraud. She claimed that Gaga never intended to pay the reward and that the singer had intended for law enforcement to investigate the dogs’ return.
The police swiftly moved to arrest those involved. The suspects included the gunman and others who orchestrated the theft, motivated by the high resale value of French bulldogs, a breed known for its popularity and hefty price tag. The case culminated in December 2022, when the gunman received a 21-year prison sentence after pleading no contest to charges of attempted murder and theft.
In court, McBride admitted she knew the dogs were stolen when she received them. She claimed her motivation was to protect the animals and collect the reward. However, the court ruled that her knowledge of the theft made her guilty of receiving stolen property. Judge Holly Fujie concluded that McBride’s reasons for taking the dogs did not excuse her involvement in the crime.
The legal battle ended with the judge ruling in favour of Lady Gaga. The court found that McBride’s actions did not entitle her to the reward because she had been part of the crime, even if indirectly. Gaga’s attorney did not comment on the ruling, and McBride’s lawyer also did not immediately respond.
The theft of Gaga’s dogs and the attack on her dog walker brought significant media attention. Ryan Fischer, who was seriously injured, later asked for financial help online to cover his medical expenses. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by pet owners with valuable animals and raised awareness about pet theft.
In the end, the story of Lady Gaga’s dogs is not just about crime and justice but also about the enduring love between humans and their pets—a love that resonates with countless individuals around the world.
Image Credit: Instagram @ladygaga
