Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
KTLA
Reward now $25K for arrest of person who left zip-tied dog in Malibu wilderness
By Travis Schlepp,
30 days ago
Reward money continues to pour in as animal rescuers increase their efforts to locate and arrest the person or people responsible for leaving a dog in a remote area of Malibu with its snout zip-tied shut.
The adult German shepherd, given the name Argon by his medical care providers, was discovered over the scorching Fourth of July weekend with a zip tie around its neck and another around its mouth.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to the call and deputies met the climbers near the 500 block of North Malibu Canyon Road to help bring the dog to safety.
He was rescued and taken to a local animal shelter for treatment of myriad illnesses, including inflammation, warts and skin tags on his legs, stomach and groin. Officials suspected that he may have been exposed to poison oak during his time lost in the wild.
Viewer images show the German shepherd resting as they await rescuers in Malibu Canyon on July 3, 2024.
Viewer image shows the German shepherd resting as they await rescuers in Malibu Canyon on July 3, 2024.
Viewer image shows the German shepherd resting as they await rescuers in Malibu Canyon on July 3, 2024.
Viewer images show the German shepherd resting as they await rescuers in Malibu Canyon on July 3, 2024.
Viewer images show the German shepherd resting as they await rescuers in Malibu Canyon on July 3, 2024.
Viewer images show the German shepherd resting as they await rescuers in Malibu Canyon on July 3, 2024.
Photos from the hikers show a German shepherd that was found in Malibu Canyon on July 3, 2024 with zip ties around its neck and muzzle. (KTLA)
In addition to those more obvious surface level illnesses, it was also suspected that Argon was suffering from lymphoma — cancer of the lymphatic system.
Last week, the dog was taken in by German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County . On Wednesday, In Defense of Animals said the rescue organization had confirmed that diagnosis.
They also found double ear infections, swelling in his lower extremities and “trauma to his hind legs.”
“His ears are now healing, but his feet are still swollen two weeks after his ordeal,” a spokesperson for In Defense of Animals wrote.
Maria Dales, the founder and director of German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County, said Argon remains a “gentle soul” despite the abandonment and abuse he’s suffered.
“He seems to sense that we are all here to help him and his trust level is growing,” Dales said. “He doesn’t appear to be as introverted as he was when he arrived.”
The next steps in Argon’s care will be for him to see a veterinary oncologist to determine the severity of his cancer diagnosis and come up with a plan for treatment, Dales added.
A German shepherd now named Argon is seen in these photos shared by Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. Argon was found in the remote Malibu wilderness with its mouth zip tied shut.
In Defense of Animals was the first organization to announce a reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person who abandoned the dog in the sweltering heat with its mouth closed shut.
That reward tripled within days and has since increased to $25,000 thanks to multiple organizations and individuals chipping in cash in hopes of finding those responsible.
Fleur Dawes, communications director for In Defense of Animals, said they’ve been “overwhelmed” by the public support and said they hope the reward is enough motivation for someone to come forward.
“Someone knows this dog and the person who hurt him,” Dawes said in a news release. “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.”
Argon’s case remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. Anyone with information is urged to contact the LASD Malibu/Lost Hills station at 818-878-1808.
In Defense of Animals is also soliciting donations and collecting tips related to Argon’s case, which can be provided anonymously or directly by calling 415-879-6879.
“We are hoping that someone in the public will have the courage and compassion to get this cruel abuser off the streets,” Dales concluded.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Comments / 0