Meat With Fish Hooks Found By Dog Owner In Alexandria, Reward Offered

ALEXANDRIA, VA — An alert dog owner spotted several pieces of meat with fish hooks embedded in them at an intersection while walking their pet, Alexandria's animal welfare organization reports. A reward is being offered to identify a suspect in the case.

The dog owner reported finding a sausage with a fish hook inside it near the Duke Street and Ingram Street intersection, according to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. The resident reported the dangerous items to animal services around 9:30 a.m. Friday, leading to an animal services officer to respond and find nine total sausages with fish hooks inside them around the intersection.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria does not believe any animals were harmed thanks to the quick action of the dog owner. The organization urged dog owners to be alert of surroundings when walking dogs.

A suspect has not yet been identified. Through a community member's donation, a $5,000 reward is being offered for the arrest of the suspect.

Police canvassed the area and are asking residents with surveillance cameras in the area to check footage.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's animal services is investigating. Information and tips can be reported to the animal services team at 703-746-6000.

The incident comes after an attempted dog poisoning reported in February in the Del Ray neighborhood. NBC Washington first reported that a family who was out of town saw a neighbor throw meat into their yard on security footage, and the husband had the meat tested to find it contained rat poison. After the suspect pleaded guilty in Alexandria court, he was sentenced to six months suspended jail time, 12 months probation and 100 hours of community service.