Rewards for whistleblowers who convict those responsible for the abuse and abandonment of German shepherd dogs have tripled to more than $7,500.
In addition to the initial $2,500 provided by animal rights group In Defense of Animals, a second organization — Peace 4 Animals — and Hollywood producer Marc Gurvitz have also pitched in, according to an In Defense press release.
“Those responsible must be brought to justice quickly and decisively,” Katie Cleary Founder Peace 4 Animals and World Animal Newssaid in a statement.
The dog, now known as Argon, was found by two hikers in a remote area of Malibu Creek Canyon on the evening of July 3 with one zip tie tied around its muzzle and another around its neck.
The hiker called 911 and the zipper was removed from the animal’s mouth, and authorities later arrived to help remove the other zipper and bring it to safety.
“Someone did it on purpose. They left him stranded on a hill on the side of the road,” said a hiker who found the dog. Tell 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. He is estimated to be about 7 years old and is being tested for suspected lymphoma, according to a news release Tuesday.
“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.”
Marcia Meda, 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 insult to human dignity and an insult to our role as responsible stewards of our pets.”
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.
