Reward Offered for Abused, Dying Dog Left at Animal Control Office

Photo courtesy of the Animal Legal Defense Fund

By Bay City News Service

The Animal Legal Defense Fund in Cotati is offering a $5,000 reward for information about the person who left an abused English bulldog near death outside the Sonoma County Animal Services building in Santa Rosa.

The severely neglected dog nicknamed “Gus” was found in a crate hidden in bushes at the site at 1247 Century Court, the nonprofit ALDF said.

Animal Control officers found Gus early on the morning of Oct. 1 and were overwhelmed by the odor of infection when they approached him, the ALDF said in a news release.

The dog was extremely emaciated, full of maggots, covered in fleas and had a large necrotic wound between his legs. Despite receiving immediate care, he died from the severity of his condition.

A security camera showed he was abandoned around 10 p.m. Sept. 30.

“Out hearts break for this dog who suffered from starvation and untreated infection until his death,” ALDF executive director Stephen Wells said. “Animal neglect is a serious crime and we urge anyone who has any information about the case to come forward and help get justice for Gus.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Sonoma County Animal Services at (707) 565-7100.

In California, a person who deprives any animal of necessary food, drink or shelter or who subjects an animal to needless suffering commits animal cruelty. They may be charged as a felony and face up to three years imprisonment and, or a $20,000 fine, or charged as a misdemeanor and face one year in jail and a $20,000 fine.