A heartbreaking incident has shaken the annual Salon de l'Agriculture (Agriculture Show) held at Porte de Versailles, Paris, where Jean-Claude Baptista, a passionate dog breeder, reported the theft of his beloved German Shepherd, Texane. The theft occurred on February 25, 2025, between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM, the very time Baptista was busy showcasing his other dogs during the competition.
Texane, aged three and valued between €25,000 and €30,000, was taken from her secured kennel as Baptista presented his other canines. “It lasted one hour, and when I returned to my box, Texane was no longer there,” recounted Baptista with evident despair. He added emotionally, “My dogs mean everything to me. Texane is like my daughter,” showing the deep bond he shares with the animal.
This marked Baptista’s first participation at the Salon, where he was scheduled to showcase four of his prized German Shepherds. Sadly, he is now left uncertain and distraught, fearing for Texane's wellbeing. Following the incident, he filed a complaint with the police at the 15th arrondissement and turned to social media for help. Baptista’s appeal for Texane’s safe return quickly spread across various platforms, creating awareness among fellow dog lovers and breeders.
Jean-Claude Baptista expressed his frustration at the security protocols, saying, “I don’t understand how, with all the checks to enter the show, someone could leave with a dog.” His concerns reflect the heightened awareness surrounding pet theft, especially at significant public events. Security personnel were also questioned, but nobody witnessed the actual theft, deepening the mystery.
The Association WAF, which assists victims of pet thefts, has also become involved. They endorsed Baptista's search efforts, asserting, “The more this case is publicized, the more chance we have of finding Texane and raising awareness about the rise of dog thefts in France.” They’ve facilitated legal assistance to gather surveillance footage from the event, hoping it might provide leads on the suspects.
Among the general public, the outrage and concern have been palpable. Following this incident, Nathalie Loïko, founder of the WAF, stated, “If even at the Salon de l’Agriculture our dogs aren’t safe, where are they?” Her comments highlight the urgent need for addressing the increasing frequency of pet thefts across the country, pointing to the growing market for stolen dogs.
Baptista has been active on Instagram, continually sharing images and details of Texane, urging anyone who might have information about her whereabouts to contact him directly at 06.18.86.58.74. The community response has been encouraging, with statements from various celebrities and fellow farmers also amplifying his message for vigilance against pet theft.
The theft of Texane spotlights not only Baptista’s personal loss but also raises broader questions about animal safety at public events and the infrastructures available to protect pets. With the substantial financial investment involved, as Loïko pointed out, the crime of stealing pets has become increasingly attractive to criminals, potentially making it more lucrative than other types of theft.
This incident has shocked the dog breeding community, prompting discussions about accountability and security at events like the Salon de l’Agriculture, where many animals are showcased.
Despite Baptista's sorrow, he remains hopeful for Texane's return, backed by the support of the community and dog owners. The sentiment grips many who recognize their pets not just as animals but as cherished family members, igniting the call for more protective measures against such crimes. Each day without Texane adds to his distress, as he waits, hoping for news and longing to be reunited with her.
The response from fellow breeders and pet lovers signals solidarity among those affected by similar incidents, emphasizing the need for solidarity and activism to combat the rise of pet thefts. With shared vigilance and awareness about such occurrences, communities can work together to deter preventing future heartbreak from happening to anyone else.