Lakewood : Reward Posted in Skinnings

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of three dogs whose skinned carcasses were found dumped in two separate locations in Lakewood.

The reward is being offered through the Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals by a donor who wishes to remains anonymous, according to Ed Cubrda, executive director of the society.

All of the dogs were found in December in green, plastic trash bags. They were dumped next to trash cans rather than in them. The first bag with one animal was found in an alley behind a supermarket near Woodruff Avenue and Del Amo Boulevard in early December. Three weeks later, the second bag, containing two dogs, was found less than a mile away next to a fast-food store’s dumpster.

The skinnings appeared to be professionally done, with no tears or gouges on the carcasses. Examinations did not determine the cause of death.

The society has received six telephone calls from persons with information since a Times article ran last month, said Sgt. Dave W. Havard, state Humane Society officer investigating the case. However, there are no leads at present, Havard said. Anyone with information is asked to call Havard at (213) 730-5300.

It is a misdemeanor to kill a dog or cat with the intent of selling or giving away the pelt. The maximum sentence is six months in County Jail or a $1,000 fine or both.