Two Large-Breed Dog Heads Found in Dumpster NR12134ne

March 21, 2012

Los Angeles:On March 20, 2012, at 10: 35 p.m., 77th Area patrol officers were dispatched to an animal cruelty investigation.  Upon arriving at the 5800 Block of Menlo Avenue, officers discovered the heads of two large-breed dogs inside of a dumpster.  The dumpster was located to the rear of the CVS Pharmacy on South Vermont Avenue and West Slauson Avenue.

Investigators from the LAPD Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACTF) assumed investigative responsibility and went to the crime scene to collect evidence.  It was apparent that the dogs’ heads had been clearly severed from their bodies with a sharp object.  The bodies of the dogs were not found.  No determination has been made if this incident involved dog fighting.  It is unknown if the dogs had been dead before their heads were removed.   It is believed the perpetrator severed the dogs’ heads at another location, and then traveled to the location where the heads were disposed inside of a dumpster.

The dogs appeared to have been full grown.  One of the dogs was a chocolate Labrador Retriever mix and the other a tan Shepherd mix.

The ACTF is in the process of reviewing footage from video surveillance cameras in the area.  The Department of Animal Services and Sanitation are assisting ACTF with the investigation.  It is violation of Penal Code Section 374 to dispose of a dead animal in a trash receptacle.

Anyone with information is asked to call ACTF detectives at 213-486-0450.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

The Humane Society of the United States offers a reward up to $5,000, for information that could lead to the arrests of individuals involved with dog fighting.  To report dog fighting in Los Angeles, call 1-877-NO2-FITE.