Florida couple fights to reclaim 50 French bulldogs worth $1.2 million seized from home
By Terri Parker
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FORT PIERCE, Florida (WPBF) — More than 50 French bulldogs, allegedly worth about $1.2 million, are at the center of a courtroom fight in St. Lucie County, where a Fort Pierce author and podcast host is trying to get the dogs back after the city seized them from her home.
Aimee Cabo Nikolov and her husband, Boris Nikolov, say they were breeding the dogs to improve the French bulldog line. But the city of Fort Pierce alleges the animals were found living in poor conditions and should never be returned.
The city alleges the dogs were found in distress and living in bad conditions. Court filings describe dozens of dogs allegedly kept in crowded areas throughout the property, with some animals found in cages and spaces described as covered in feces.
Investigative Reporter Terri Parker was inside the courtroom during the four-day trial, where Cabo Nikolov took the stand and denied abusing or neglecting the dogs.
“There has been no abuse or neglect. I love these dogs. This is a travesty of justice,” Cabo Nikolov told Parker after the hearing.
Nearly 50 dogs rescued from overwhelmed owner in Palm Beach CountyNearly 50 dogs rescued from overwhelmed owner in Palm Beach County Investigators say they seized more than 50 dogs from the home because the animals were in distress and some later proved to be sick.
Because there is also an active criminal investigation, police have not yet released the pictures and video taken during the seizure.
The case involves a breed with a high price tag. French bulldogs are among the most expensive dog breeds in America, with some puppies selling for tens of thousands of dollars. The dogs in this case are alleged to be worth about $1.2 million.
French Bulldog4 suspects face charges for stealing 19 French bulldogs from Port St. Lucie home During cross-examination, Cabo Nikolov was asked whether she had 50 to 60 dogs in her home in May and June of last year.
“I don’t know. I didn’t count them,” she answered.
Court testimony also established that Cabo Nikolov did not have a breeder’s license.
And even though investigators found a website called AngelWing Frenchies advertising her puppies for sale, Cabo Nikolov testified she did not recall having a website where she was selling dogs.
Outside the courtroom, Parker asked Cabo Nikolov why she had so many dogs if she was not selling them.
“I’m an artist. I want to improve the breed. I feel that the Frenchie breeds, that we’ve lost some of the Frenchie breed’s structure,” Cabo Nikolov said.
But according to court filings, investigators allege Cabo Nikolov was not just breeding French bulldogs. The filings say she was trying to create a new breed by mixing French bulldogs with poodles, dogs that are not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
When Parker asked why she was moving in that direction if she says she wants to restore the breed, Cabo Nikolov responded that there are shows beyond AKC events and described herself as more of a hobby breeder.
“There’s many different shows. You don’t have to show at the AKC shows. There’s different shows that are offered. There’s also hobby shows, and I consider myself more of a hobby breeder, being that I’m just in it to improve the breed,” she said.
There is another twist in the case.
Cabo Nikolov’s lawyer told Parker the case is fabricated and involves fake 911 calls and altered evidence reports. A former city employee testified that she discovered some reports had been changed after the raid.
The FBI was also involved at some point, though it is not yet clear why.
At stake are more than 50 dogs, allegedly worth $1.2 million, and two sides fighting to keep them.
The trial is set to continue next Tuesday.
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