‘Playful’ husky found hanged by his leash near devastated owner’s Los Angeles home

DAILYMAIL.COM • 1h ago

By ADRIANA TARDUGNO 18:16 13 Oct 2026, updated 18:17 13 Oct 2026

A ‘playful’ nine-year-old husky has been found dead while hanging by his leash near his owner’s Los Angeles home.

Ruso, a husky owned by Filiberto Reyes, was found by his neighbors hanging in a Lynwood alley behind a laundromat and doughnut shop on October 4.

Reyes told the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department that he did not witness the incident, and originally thought his dog had escaped through the fence of their backyard.

But after speaking to his neighbor, who showed him disturbing surveillance footage, he now believes that Ruso was lured from his home by a couple who killed the dog.

‘It’s like losing a son. The way he died…. No words can describe it,’ Reyes told the LA Times.

Reyes said the tragic ordeal unfolded after a man and a woman were seen outside the fence of his California home on Sunday afternoon.

His neighbors said they witnessed Ruso bite the woman’s hand before the pair lured the dog out of the fence with food.

The homeowner believes that the pair ‘agitated’ the dog and that prompted the pup to react in self-defense, then took him in retaliation.

The owner described Ruso as a ‘playful dog’ who was gentle with children. Reyes described that he would often stand on his hinds to hug people using his front paws.

When Reyes arrived at the scene, authorities removed Ruso’s body before he could see him. He told police he believes that the duo are responsible for the dog’s death.

At this time, no arrests or charges have been made.

Graphic video footage captured the moment Ruso’s body was hanged by an orange leash from a metal security door.

According to Lynwood City Councilman Luis Cuellar, a city manager was notified of the devastating video and immediately launched an investigation into Ruso’s death.

‘The City of Lynwood is deeply saddened and disturbed by the reported animal cruelty incident that has caused significant concern throughout our community. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the dog’s owner and to everyone affected by this deeply troubling situation,’ the city wrote in a statement.

Since then, the viral video had circulated online with supporters and animal activists sharing their concerns about Ruso’s death.

‘Sometimes posting once about something isn’t enough. Years of experience have taught us how easily people get busy, move on and cases disappear from the public eye. Most of the time we have to keep pushing for answers,’ The Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation, wrote in a Facebook statement.

‘Filiberto told us Ruso was in the front yard when a man and woman approached the fence. The man kicked Ruso twice and chased him when he ran off. Neighbors witnessed what happened,’ the non-profit organization wrote.

‘Justice will be served! Sorry for your loss very sad,’ one commenter wrote.

Another user wrote: ‘So sorry to this family. My heart aches for them.’

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, officials received hundreds of emails on the night of Ruso’s brutal passing.

Officials have encouraged anyone who has ‘witnessed the incident or has video, photograph or other relevant information,’ to contact Detective Christina Smith as the investigation remains ongoing.

The Daily Mail has contacted Councilman Luis Cuellar, The Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for comments.

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