Man accused of stealing puppies from Miami home arrested

Man charged with 15 counts of grand theft, 16 counts of dealing in stolen property

MIAMI – A 29-year-old man accused of stealing two litters of puppies from a Miami home on New Year's Eve was arrested Saturday and is expected to appear in bond court Sunday morning.

Miami police said Vigil Phillip Birch has been charged with 15 counts of third-degree grand theft and 16 counts of dealing in stolen property.

Police responded to the Miami home on Northwest 47th Terrace after a man reported that his 15 French bulldog puppies and an adult French bulldog were stolen from inside his home.

According to the victim, he's a French bulldog breeder and the adult dog is a champion show dog, therefore reuniting with his dog and puppies would be rewarding to him.

Police did not release details on where the puppies were on Saturday.

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