Reward For Info On Dog Left For Dead In Malibu Mountains Grows To $25K

MALIBU, CA — In the weeks after an animal welfare organization publicized a $2,500 reward for information regarding a dog found left for dead in the Malibu wilderness, donors have helped increase the reward tenfold for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the abuse.

A pair of hikers found the German shepherd in Malibu Canyon the evening of July 3. The distressed dog's snout was zip-tied shut and he had another zip tie around his neck, In Defense of Animals said.

The organization initially offered a $2,500 reward in connection to the case. The pot of money quickly grew to $7,600 within days, thanks to donations from Peace 4 Animals and producer Marc Gurvitz of Brillstein Entertainment Partners.

On Wednesday, IDA announced that "thanks to public support," the reward has now grown to $25,000.

After finding the dog, named Argon, the hikers quickly called 911 and managed to remove the zip tie from around the dog's muzzle before police and animal control arrived. Once authorities arrived, they freed the dog from the zip tie around his neck and carried him to safety.

Rescuers said the dog gradually warmed up to them and allowed them to pet him at eat from their hands, which is shown in a video shared by the In Defense of Animals. Argon, described as sweet and gentle, was transported to the county's Agoura Animal Care Center, where he continues to be provided care and attention.

The dog also suffered from inflammation, warts and skin tags on his legs, stomach and groin. Officials suspect the dog, estimated to be 7 years old, had been exposed to poison oak, according to the Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control.

Argon was taken in last week by German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County, which confirmed he was suffering from lymphoma. They also determined he had two ear infections, edema in his lower extremities and trauma to his hind legs. Rescue officials said his ears are healing but his feet are still swollen, according to IDA.

"Argon is an incredible mixture of strength and softness," Maria Dales, founder and director of German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County, said. "He survived abandonment and abuse, yet miraculously, he remains a gentle soul. He seems to sense that we are all here to help him and his trust level is growing. He doesn't appear to be as introverted as he was when he arrived. He will see a veterinary oncologist next week so we can determine the next steps of his treatment plan."

Donations can also be made online at IDA's website.

"We've been overwhelmed by the public response," Dawes said. "So many people are concerned about Argon and want to see his abuser held accountable. Someone knows this dog and the person who hurt him. We hope this huge reward offer encourages that person to step forward and share their tip with us so we can get justice for Argon."

Anyone with information about the dog is asked to call In Defense of Animals at 415-879-6879, the LASD Malibu/Lost Hills station at 818-878-1808 or the LA County Department of Animal Care and Control at 562-940-6898.