Dog Found Strangled To Death In Backpack; Reward Offered For Info

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A $5,000 reward is being offered by Cotati-based Animal Legal Defense Fund for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for leaving a dog to die inside a backpack on a Sonoma County street corner. The white-and-tan female Chihuahua mix, posthumously named Luna, was found dead in a black Outdoor Products-brand backpack with red straps and a black leash on the side of Todd Road near Stony Point Road around 3:15 p.m. on July 27.

A necropsy revealed Luna, which did not have a microchip, had been strangled, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.

"This case reminds us that crime victims come in all shapes, sizes and species,” said Stephen Wells, Animal Legal Defense Fund executive director. "All victims, whether human or animal, deserve justice. We therefore urge anyone with information to come forward."

Under California law, the malicious and intentional killing of an animal can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, at the prosecutor’s discretion. If it is charged as a felony, a convicted offender can face up to three years imprisonment and/or a $20,000 fine.

Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to call Sonoma County Animal Services at 707-565-7100.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

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