Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control officials report discovery of abandoned dog

Climbers in a secluded area of Southern California recently discovered a German Shepherd with zip ties cruelly fastened around its muzzle and neck. The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) revealed that the 7-year-old male German Shepherd was found last week in Malibu Creek Canyon, which is situated about 30 miles west of downtown Los Angeles.

The dog was found around 250 feet down the side of a road in Agoura Hills by the climbers. DACC Director Marcia Mayeda expressed her dismay at the situation, calling it “an affront to human decency and our role as responsible stewards to our pets.” She also extended gratitude to the climbers who acted as Good Samaritans by rescuing the dog and assured the public that the animal is receiving the necessary care while the investigation is ongoing.

‘He allowed my friend and I to pet him and gently ate our food’

One of the climbers shared with KTLA-TV that they managed to gain the dog’s trust long enough to remove the zip tie from its mouth. “He allowed my friend and I to pet him and he gently ate our food out of our hands,” the climber said, reflecting the dog’s gentle temperament despite his traumatic experience.

Authorities are currently conducting an investigation to determine who was responsible for placing the zip ties on the dog, how long the dog had been in that condition, and to whom the dog belonged.

Stranded in a ravine with its mouth zip-tied shut

Malibu Search and Rescue intervened after the climbers contacted the authorities. They found the dog stranded in a ravine and removed additional zip ties at the scene. From there, the German Shepherd was transported to the Agoura Hills Animal Shelter and subsequently taken to Palmdale Animal Care Center for medical attention.

A veterinarian examining the dog noted inflammation, exposure to poison oak, and the presence of warts and skin tags on its stomach and groin area, according to KTLA-TV.

Dog found zip-tied in Malibu Creek Canyon named Argon

Officials have named the dog Argon. Weighing about 80 pounds, Argon was transported back to the Agoura Animal Care Center and is currently not available for adoption.

In Defense of Animals, an advocacy group based in San Raphael, mentioned that a reward for information leading to the identification of the person responsible for abandoning Argon has been increased from $2,500 to $7,600 this week. Fleur Dawes from the organization called on anyone with information to come forward, insisting that the perpetrator needs to be held accountable for this egregious act of cruelty.

“Argon was left to suffer and die in a remote location, but thanks to the quick actions of hikers and law enforcement, our efforts to find the person responsible continue,” Dawes stated. She also mentioned that Argon might be suffering from lymphoma, adding that the dog is undergoing tests as part of his recovery.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Los Angeles law enforcement or animal control authorities.