Family Dog Hanged in Alley, Los Angeles Owners Seek Justice
A beloved husky was allegedly lured from its home and found dead in Lynwood, sparking outrage and a call for accountability.
A family in Los Angeles is seeking justice after their 9-year-old husky, Ruso, was found hanged by his leash in an alley approximately one mile from their home. The dog's owner, Filiberto Reyes, initially believed Ruso had wandered off until a neighbor showed him footage of the animal’s body hanging from a metal security door outside a laundromat in Lynwood.
"It's like losing a son. The way he died.... No words can describe it," Reyes told the LA Times. Heartbreaking images shared on social media depict Ruso enjoying family outings, including beach trips and walks.
According to neighbors who spoke with Reyes, two individuals approached the family's fence, and Ruso allegedly bit one of them on the hand. The pair then reportedly lured the dog away with food before killing him. Reyes believes the suspects intentionally agitated his dog, leading to the fatal confrontation.
The Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation, based in Sherman Oaks, has taken up the case, calling for accountability for the alleged cruelty. A Facebook post from the organization stated, "Witnesses say the dog ran up to a woman, the man she was with kicked it, and the next time anyone saw the dog, it was hanging from a door."
The foundation expressed dismay over the incident and the perceived rise in crime and apathy in Los Angeles. "Now that vibe is gone. Now it's lawless, full of crime, with apathetic politicians who would rather virtue signal than solve the problems. We don't care what someone's circumstances are. Homeless or not, if you kill a dog like this, you face justice, whatever form that takes," the group wrote.
The foundation also released footage and images, hoping to aid investigators in identifying the suspects. "This is the last known footage of the husky who was hanged to death in Lynwood, California. It happened near Magnolia Ave," the post read, adding that they hope the footage will provide more clues for an arrest.
Lynwood City Councilman Luis Cuellar confirmed that city management was informed of the incident. "The City of Lynwood is deeply saddened and disturbed by the reported animal cruelty incident that has caused significant concern throughout our community. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the dog’s owner and to everyone affected by this deeply troubling situation," the city said in a statement to the Times.
As of Tuesday, it was unclear if any arrests had been made. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has been contacted for further information.