Lynnwood police seek suspect in dogs’ hanging

Published 9:00 pm Thursday, July 27, 2006

LYNNWOOD – Two pit bulls were killed in Lynnwood on Thursday morning after being hanged with ropes.

“This is an extreme case of animal cruelty,” said Shannon Sessions, a spokeswoman of the Lynnwood Police Department.

The incident happened in the 17900 block of 33rd Place W., police said. No suspect has been identified.

Police said the following about the incident:

The dog owner reported that about 2 a.m. he heard his dogs, Peanut and Wiggles, bark and yelp.

He went outside and saw them hanged with ropes tied around their necks, dangling over his backyard fence.

Wiggles, a female 10-month old, was limp. Peanut, a male 1-year-old, was struggling.

He tried to rescue Peanut. The dog panicked and bit the owner.

The owner ran inside to fetch a tool to cut the rope. But when he came back, Wiggles and Peanut were dead.

Police are also investigating another case involving a pit bull. A young pit bull was hurt and dumped in a dumpster June 28 at the 19800 block of 50th Avenue W.

That pit bull was treated at a hospital and released to an animal foster home. Two $2,500 rewards are offered for an arrest and conviction in this case.

Police have yet to decide whether the two incidents are connected.

Anyone with tips regarding the incidents should call 425-744-6900.

Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.