A man who shot Lady Gaga’s dog walker and stole two of her French bulldogs has been sentenced to 21 years in prison.

James Howard Jackson, one of three men and two accomplices who participated in the violent robbery last year, pleaded no contest to one count of attempted murder, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said.

The dog walker, Ryan Fischer, said he had a “very close call with death”.

Lady Gaga offered a $500,000 reward – “no questions asked” – for the animals’ safe return.

The dogs, Koji and Gustav, were given back several days later by Jennifer McBride, who was also charged.

Detectives do not believe the thieves knew who the dogs belonged to.

The motive was their value, which can run into thousands of dollars.

Jackson and the others drove around Hollywood, the city of West Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley on 24 February 2021 “looking for French bulldogs,” prosecutors said previously, finding Mr Fischer with the pop star’s three pets.

After Jackson shot Mr Fischer, a nearby doorbell camera recorded the dog walker screaming: “Oh, my God! I’ve been shot!” and “Help me!, I’m bleeding out from my chest!”

Jackson also admitted inflicting great bodily injury and a prior offence, the DA’s office said.

“The plea agreement holds Mr Jackson accountable for perpetrating a cold-hearted violent act and provides justice for our victim,” the office said in a statement.

Another accomplice, Harold White, pleaded no contest to a count of being an ex-convict in possession of a gun.

White, who was in a relationship with McBride at the time, will be sentenced next year.

The couple had allegedly tried to help White’s son, Jaylin White, avoid arrest in the aftermath of the shooting.

Earlier this year, Jaylin White pleaded no contest to second-degree robbery and was sentenced to four years in state prison.