Abandoned Yorkie Mix Left to Die in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- In a City that prides itself for its love of dogs, this story is one that likely will leave many Alexandria residents angry, sad and shaking their heads.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria reports Friday that a Yorkie mix was left to die in a crate during extreme heat last weekend, with temperatures near 100 degrees, and is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of those responsible for leaving the dog to die.

The dog was left in a crate under a bush in the 800 block of N. Patrick Street (see map below story), according to the animal shelter, which posted information about the incident on its Facebook page. The Washington Post reported that a couple found the dog while they were doing yardwork, after hearing whimpering sounds coming from under the bush; they took it to an animal hospital. The crate and dog were soiled, covered in urine and feces, the newspaper reported.

The dog, a black and brown male Yorkshire terrier mix, was wearing a purple collar with no tags or microchip, and was treated at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital at 2660 Duke St., for emergency care.

An exam revealed that the dog, an intact male, was "matted with filth and was suffering from dehydration and labored breathing--a possible case of severe heatstroke," the shelter said. Despite veterinary treatment, the dog could not be revived. AWLA has requested a necropsy, an animal autopsy, to confirm the cause of death.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is asking the public for any information about the identity of the dog and is offering the $1,000 reward for any information that leads to the successful conviction and prosecution of the person(s) responsible.

To report information, call Chief Brian Rees of Animal Services at 703-746-5582, or email brees@alexandriaanimals.org.

The shelter points out is important to emphasize that in situations of extreme heat, animals should not be left unattended or without access to water, the shelter warns. The AWLA asks that anyone who needs assistance with an animal in the City of Alexandria call 703-746-4774.

If you would like to contribute to the AWLA End Animal Abuse & Neglect Fund, you can donate online at www.AlexandriaAnimals.org/donate or by mail to AWLA/EAAN Fund, 4101 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304. This fund is used to provide rewards in criminal investigations of animal abuse and neglect and to provide veterinary care for animals rescued from these situations.

PHOTO courtesy of Animal Welfare League of Alexandria