Family's Husky Found Hanging From Leash In LA County Alley: Reports

LYNWOOD, CA — Los Angeles County sheriff's detectives are seeking the public's help in identifying those responsible for the death of a family's 9-year-old husky, who was found hanging from a leash in a Lynwood alley earlier this month.

The dog, named Ruso, disappeared from his family's Compton home Oct. 4 and was subsequently discovered near the 3500 block of Magnolia Avenue. The Sheriff's Department reportedly listed Oct. 5 as the discovery date, although the family told other news outlets that Ruso was found dead the previous evening.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Ruso's owner, 34-year-old Filiberto Reyes, said neighbors witnessed a man and woman approaching the family's fenced front yard on Oct. 4. Reyes, who did not witness the encounter himself, said the dog apparently bit the woman after the pair approached him.

He believes Ruso may have been provoked and reacted defensively before the two people allegedly lured him out of the yard with food.

Hours later, a neighbor alerted Reyes to a disturbing video circulating online showing a dog hanging from an orange leash attached to a metal security door behind businesses near Long Beach Boulevard. Reyes recognized the animal as Ruso, but by the time he reached the location, authorities had already removed the dog's body.

"He was like my son to me," Reyes told KTLA. "He was a great dog. He was playful, very friendly and full of energy."

Surveillance footage circulating online reportedly shows a man walking Ruso in the alley where the dog was later discovered. However, investigators have not publicly identified that individual as a suspect or person of interest, according to CBS Los Angeles, which reported that deputies hope to locate and interview him.

In an Oct. 13 statement reported by KTLA, the Sheriff's Department described the incident as "both horrific and heartbreaking," adding that detectives were working to identify potential suspects, witnesses and additional evidence.

Lynwood City Councilmember Luis Cuellar also expressed sympathy for the family, telling the Los Angeles Times that the city was deeply disturbed by the reported animal cruelty and the concern it had caused throughout the community.

The family has established an Instagram account, @justice_for_ruso, to share information about Ruso and seek justice following his death.

Patch has contacted the Sheriff's Department seeking clarification about the conflicting discovery dates and additional information about the investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact LASD Detective Christina Smith at CLSmith@lasd.org or 213-678-5402. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or through lacrimestoppers.org.

City News Service contributed to this report.