An abandoned German shepherd was found wandering the Malibu wilderness with its mouth zipped shut by a group of hikers, and animal rights groups are offering a $2,500 reward to find and hold the person responsible accountable.
Two hikers discovered the puppy near Malibu Creek Canyon just before 8 p.m. on July 3, according to a news release from the animal rights group. The dog had a zip tie around its mouth and a zip tie around its neck.
The hiker quickly called 911 and was able to unzip a zipper before police and animal control arrived. Together, they unzipped the second zipper and carried him to safety, the group said.
“Someone did this on purpose. They left him stranded on a remote hill on the side of the road,” a hiker who spotted the dog told KTLA. “Something needs to be done to find the person who did this.”
The SPCA described the dog as “lovable and gentle” who warmed to the rescuers and eventually let them pet him. He was later taken to Agoura Animal Care Center.
“We are grateful to these hikers and law enforcement for their quick action, but our efforts must continue,” said Fleur Dawes, a spokesperson for the group. “We are determined to find those responsible for this horrific abuse and hold them to account because they pose a danger to others.”
Anyone with information that could lead to the identification, arrest and conviction of the suspect is asked to call Animal Welfare at (415) 879-6879.
