Dog Tossed Over Razor-Wire Fence Has New Leash On Life With Foster Mom

WINCHESTER, CA — Ken, the dog dumped at a Winchester cell tower, has a new leash on life after being rescued this week by a foster rescue service, Riverside County Department of Animal Services announced Thursday afternoon.

Jennifer, an Orange County resident and animal rescuer, saw the video and knew she could help give Ken a good home. Not much is known about Jennifer as of this report. However, she did feel compelled to drive from Orange County to Jurupa Valley Animal Shelter to collect the dog.

"Ken is now in a rescue organization's foster care network," John Welsh, spokesperson for the RCDAS, said.

On Dec. 15, a 30-year-old Temecula resident was identified as the suspect who dumped an 8-year-old pit bull mix dog over a tall fence topped with razor wire that enclosed a cell phone tower before walking down the hill without looking back. (Warning. This video is graphic and may be disturbing to some.) Maintenance workers who arrived at the Flossie Way and Pourroy Road hilltop discovered the dog and contacted animal services. Footage shows the dog was captive in the enclosure for less than two hours, but RCDAS spokesperson John Welsh said the dog was "very thirsty."

Welsh said that workers provided him with three bottles of water before animal services showed up at the scene.

Officer Michael McGee brought the dog to the Jurupa Valley shelter, where the owner was identified by microchip. The dog's original name was KO, and he has since been renamed Ken.

Multiple attempts were made to contact the resident, to no avail.

"It appears he is no longer living there and the phone number provided on the chip does not allow incoming calls," Welsh said.

The RCDAS has not yet filed the declaration seeking an arrest warrant but still plans to do so, according to Welsh. The San Jacinto shelter is collecting tips on his whereabouts, he said. "He's still in the wind, though."

"This person needs to be held accountable for such a horrible act of willful abandonment," RCDAS Commander Josh Sisler said. "We are confident the man in the video is the dog's owner. It is shocking to see this act. It's a small miracle the dog did not suffer serious injuries from the razor wire or such a high drop."

Ken the dog was treated for mucoid discharge but was otherwise healthy and in good spirits, RCDAS reported. To report any tips on the dumping incident or for more information, call 888-636-7387 or visit https://www.rcdas.org.