Malibu Creek Canyon has become the center of an animal cruelty investigation after a German shepherd was found in distress with zip ties tightly secured around its nose and neck, igniting a firestorm of public outcry and a significant reward for information. The dog, now named Argon, was discovered last Wednesday by hikers and subsequently freed from the zip ties by those who found him and by animal control, according to KTLA. “He is such a sweet dog,” one of the rescuers said. “He allowed my friend and I to pet him and he gently ate our food out of our hands.”
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control stated that Argon was found about 250 feet down a slope off the 500 block of North Malibu Canyon Road. Argon’s afflictions seemed to only begin with the zip ties, as he was also suffering from a plethora of health issues, including inflammation and suspected poison oak exposure. In a cruel twist of fate, veterinarians at the Palmdale Animal Care Center, which initially treated Argon, suggested he may have lymphoma, now awaiting further tests to determine treatability, as reported by ABC7.
The response from animal rights organizations was swift and substantial. In Defense of Animals, along with nonprofit Peace 4 Animals, is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or people responsible. In a statement obtained by NBC Los Angeles, Fleur Dawes, Communications Director for In Defense of Animals, expressed gratitude for those who aided Argon but emphasized the need for greater action. “We urge anyone with information about this cruel act to come forward. We are determined to find the person responsible for this horrific abuse and hold them accountable since they are a danger to others,” Dawes said.
Authorities and animal services have come together to not only adequately care for Argon but also to launch a full-fledged investigation into the incident. While the search for the perpetrator continues, the community’s focus has squarely been on Argon’s recovery and well-being. “He is getting extra love and care from our staff and volunteers, and we will continue to support him through his journey,” Leah Cohen, a spokesperson, said in what was clearly an emotional statement shared by CBS News Los Angeles. Argon is currently being cared for at the Agoura Animal Care Center, and while he is not up for public adoption yet, he has become something of a cause célèbre as the representation of resilience and the cruel consequences of human disregard for animal welfare.