By Aaron Kopp | akopp@alextimes.com

On July 7, a local resident walking her dog near the intersection of Duke and Ingram Sts. alerted authorities after finding discarded sausages with fish hooks scattered along the sidewalk.

“Thankfully the owner was vigilant and the dog was not seriously injured,” Tony Rankin, Chief Operating Officer for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, said in a written comment to the Alexandria Times.

The Alexandria Police Department officer who responded on the scene found eight other similar sausage pieces around the area.

Per a statement from the AWLA, “The only motive would be to cause harm to an animal. There really is no other reason for someone to do something like this.” If a dog were to swallow one of the sausage pieces, they would likely experience internal laceration and would need to be taken to an animal hospital.

The APD is investigating and the perpetrator could be charged with attempting to maim or kill animals which is a Class I misdemeanor.

The AWLA is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the per- son or persons responsible. If you have any information, please contact 703-746-6000 or email AnimalServices@ AlexandriaAnimals.org.