MALIBU, Calif. (July 17, 2024) — A reward initially offered by In Defense of Animals for information on the person(s) responsible for abandoning a German shepherd in Malibu Creek Canyon with zip ties around his mouth and neck has been raised tenfold in one week to $25,000, thanks to public support. 

The dog, now named Argon, was found about 250 feet down the side of the road near the 500 block of North Malibu Canyon Road on July 3 by compassionate hikers who notified authorities. The hikers managed to remove the zip tie from his mouth before police and animal control arrived. Together, they freed him from the zip tie around his neck and carried him to safety. 

Argon, who is estimated to be about 7-years-old and is described as sweet and gentle, was initially transported to the Palmdale Animal Care Center for medical treatment then to the Agoura Animal Care Center. Veterinarians found he had a lot of inflammation, and warts and skin tags on his legs, stomach and groin. It was suspected he was exposed to poison oak, and that he may be suffering from lymphoma. 

On July 11, he was taken in by German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County, which confirmed a lymphoma diagnosis. Tests are being conducted to determine the best course of treatment. The rescue found Argon is also suffering from double ear infections, edema 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. 

“Argon is an incredible mixture of strength and softness,” said Maria Dales, Founder and Director of German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County. “He survived abandonment and abuse, yet miraculously, he remains a gentle soul. He seems to sense that we are all here to help him and his trust level is growing. He doesn't appear to be as introverted as he was when he arrived. He will see a veterinary oncologist next week so we can determine the next steps of his treatment plan.”

On July 8, In Defense of Animals announced an initial reward of $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this cruelty. Peace 4 Animals quickly added another $2,500, and Hollywood producer Marc Gurvitz of Brillstein Entertainment Partners also came forward with an additional $2,500. 

The reward has since increased to $25,000, thanks to overwhelming public interest and support. 

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the public response,” said Fleur Dawes, Communications Director at In Defense of Animals. “So many people are concerned about Argon and want to see his abuser held accountable. Someone knows this dog and the person who hurt him. 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.”

“Someone, somewhere knows who this dog belonged to and can help authorities apprehend the person who harmed this beautiful dog,” added Dales. “We are hoping that someone in the public will have the courage and compassion to get this cruel abuser off the streets.”

In Defense of Animals is appealing to the public for any information that may lead to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible for this act of cruelty. Tips can be reported anonymously or otherwise to 415-879-6879.

Donations to fund Argon’s fight for justice can be made at: www.idausa.org/argon

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Contacts: 

In Defense of Animals: Fleur Dawes, 415-879-6879, media@idausa.org
German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: Maria Dales, 714-974-7762, info@gsroc.org 

Images and video (free for use with credit to In Defense of Animals): https://bit.ly/ZipTiedGSMalibu

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 40-year history of defending animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in California, India, South Korea, and rural Mississippi. www.idausa.org/argon

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