LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A Chihuahua has been rescued from a west valley dumpster being thrown inside by an unidentified man Monday morning.
The incident was caught on camera and shared on social media by the Vegas Pet Rescue Project, who took the dog into their care Tuesday morning. The project tells FOX5 the dog’s name is Atreyu and he is around 3 years old.
Surveillance video from the neighborhood shows an unidentified man dangling Atreyu by his legs before throwing him into the trash can around 9:14 a.m. The man can be seen walking away, before returning to close the lid on the dog.
The rescue brought Atreyu to Horizon Ridge Animal Hospital around noon on Tuesday.
Veterinarians with the Horizon Ridge Animal Hospital have examined Atreyu and confirmed he is uninjured, but a little skittish following the incident.
The identities of Atreyu’s owners and the man in the video are currently unclear.
In a Facebook post, VPRP stated, “It happened just as Reba’s Law is finally gaining momentum. THIS is why we need stronger protections for animals. THIS is why we fight.”
The post continues, “We will be working with Animal Protective Services to identify and hold this individual accountable. This cruelty cannot go unpunished.”
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has told FOX5 they are responding to the area, but deferring to Clark County Animal Protection Services as the lead agency.
FOX5 has reached out to the county for more details, but has yet to hear back.
This is a developing story, check back later for updates.
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