Investigation Underway After Husky Found Hanged in Lynwood Alley
A nine-year-old husky named Ruso was discovered dead by his neighbors, leading to an investigation into animal cruelty.
An investigation has been launched into the death of a nine-year-old husky named Ruso, who was found hanged by his leash in a Lynwood alley on October 4. The dog, owned by Filiberto Reyes, was discovered by neighbors behind a laundromat and doughnut shop.
Reyes initially believed Ruso had escaped from his backyard but later suspected foul play after viewing surveillance footage. The footage reportedly shows a man and a woman outside Reyes's fence on the afternoon of the incident.
Neighbors told Reyes that the pair agitated the dog, and he reacted defensively. They then allegedly lured Ruso out of the yard with food before the animal was found dead. "It’s like losing a son. The way he died.... No words can describe it," Reyes told the LA Times.
Ruso was described as a playful and gentle dog, known for standing on his hind legs to hug people. Reyes reported his suspicions to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Graphic video footage captured the moment Ruso's body was hanged by an orange leash from a metal security door in the alley. The Lynwood City Council was notified of the incident and has initiated an investigation. "The City of Lynwood is deeply saddened and disturbed by the reported animal cruelty incident that has caused significant concern throughout our community," the city said in a statement.
The Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation, a non-profit organization, shared Reyes's account on Facebook, emphasizing the need to keep the case in the public eye. "Filiberto told us Ruso was in the front yard when a man and woman approached the fence. The man kicked Ruso twice and chased him when he ran off. Neighbors witnessed what happened," the foundation wrote.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has received numerous emails regarding Ruso's death and is urging anyone with information, including witnesses or those with video or photographic evidence, to contact Detective Christina Smith. No arrests or charges have been made at this time.
