The reward for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible for abusing and abandoning a German shepherd has been tripled to more than $7,500.
In addition to the $2,500 initially offered by the animal protection group In Defense of Animals, a second group, Peace 4 Animals, has contributed money, as has Hollywood producer Marc Gurvitz, according to a press release from In Defense.
“The individual responsible must be brought to justice swiftly and decisively,” said Katie Cleary, founder of Peace 4 Animals and Animal News from Around the Worldsaid in a statement.
The dog, now named Argon, was found by two hikers in a remote area of Malibu Creek Canyon on the night of July 3, with a bridle around his muzzle and another around his neck.
The hikers called 911 and removed the bridle from the animal's mouth before authorities arrived to help remove the other bridle and take it to safety.
“Someone did it intentionally. They left him lying on a hill in the middle of nowhere, on the side of the road,” said one of the hikers who found the dog. He told KTLA“Something needs to be done to find the person who did it.”
The dog, who In Defense of Animals described as “sweet and gentle,” warmed to his rescuers and eventually allowed them to pet him. He was then taken to Agoura Animal Care Center. According to a Tuesday news release, he is estimated to be around 7 years old and is being tested for possible lymphoma.
“We are grateful for the quick action of these hikers and law enforcement, but our efforts must continue,” said Fleur Dawes, a spokeswoman for In Defense of Animals. “We are determined to find the person responsible for this horrific abuse and hold them accountable, as they are a danger to others.”
Marcia Mayeda, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, said the circumstances in which the dog was found were “horrible” and “an affront to human decency and our role as responsible stewards of our pets.”
Anyone with information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of a suspect is asked to call In Defense of Animals at (415) 879-6879.
