Reward Triples For Info On Dog Left For Dead In Malibu Wilderness

MALIBU, CA — In the day 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 triple the reward 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 on Monday said it was offering a $2,500 reward in connection to the case. The pot of money had grown to $7,600 by Tuesday afternoon: In Defense of Animals and Peace 4 Animals are now offering a $5,100 reward for information leading to the conviction of the people or person responsible for the abuse and abandonment of the dog. And producer Marc Gurvitz of Brillstein Entertainment Partners is offering an additional $2,500 for an arrest.

“This cruel and heartless act of abandoning an innocent German Shepherd in scorching temperatures with his mouth zip-tied over the Fourth of July weekend is reprehensible. The individual responsible must be swiftly and decisively brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law. Rest assured, justice will prevail!” Katie Cleary, founder of Peace 4 Animals, said in a release.

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, KTLA reported.

“The circumstances in which this dog was found are horrific, and an affront to human decency and our role as responsible stewards to our pets,” Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control Director Marcia Mayeda said. “DACC thanks the Good Samaritans who found this poor creature, and wants to ensure the public that he is getting all the care he needs as we investigate how this crime occurred.”

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.