Reward now $25K for arrest of person who left zip-tied dog in Malibu wilderness

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 dog was found by a pair of rock climbers about 250 feet down the side 
of the road in Malibu Creek Canyon earlier this month.

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.

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.

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.

https://ktla.com/news/california/reward-now-25k-for-arrest-of-person-who-
left-zip-tied-dog-in-malibu-wilderness/