Dog left to Die behind Dumpster WHS offers $1000 Reward for Justice

On Monday WHS Officers found an emaciated dog locked inside a cage behind a dumpster at the Douglas Knoll apartment complex at 3331 22^nd Street, SE.  The approximately six year old poodle mix was severely matted and his coat was soaked in urine. The cage was filled with feces, indicating the dog had been housed in the cage for weeks. Humane investigators believe the dog’s owner dumped the cage with the dog in it, overnight Sunday.  The Washington Humane Society is now offering a $1000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person/s responsible for this act of cruelty.    

“This innocent animal did not deserve to be thrown away like yesterday’s trash. This is a despicable act of animal cruelty and the person responsible needs to be brought to justice. We are hoping the public can help provide some leads in the case,” said WHS Vice President of External Affairs and Chief Programs Officer, Scott Giacoppo.

A maintenance man at the apartment complex discovered the dog in the cage and called WHS. The cage was wrapped up in a tan sheet and placed behind the dumpster. The dog now named, “Thomas” was taken to the vet and treated for emaciation, ear infections, and was groomed. He weighs just 10lbs, which about half of what he should weigh. Thomas is currently recovering at the WHS shelter on Georgia Avenue, NW.

Washington Humane Society officials are asking anyone with information to contact the Humane Law Enforcement department at 202-BE-HUMANE (202-234-8626). Calls are confidential and a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of this crime. The reward is made possible through a special fund called the JUSTICE FUND which WHS set up for this purpose. Donations to this fund are always accepted.