A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest of the person who left out what appeared to be bait to seriously injure dogs on Duke Street.

On Friday, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) said a person walking their dog near the intersection of Duke Street and Ingram Street found a piece of sausage with a fish hook embedded in it.

“Our Animal Services Officer responded and arrived at the scene at 9:50 a.m. and searched the area around this intersection, finding a total of nine pieces of sausage with fish hooks embedded in them,” AWLA said. “Our officers did canvas the area and spoke with several residents with security cameras in the area asking them to review any footage they may have in the hopes that a suspect might be identified.”

On Sunday, AWLA said a community member put up a $5,000 reward for information.

Update 7/9/23: Thanks to a member of our community, we are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible. If you have any info or video from the area, contact us at 703.746.6000 or [email protected]. pic.twitter.com/R1Etoi7AOx

— AWLA Alexandria (@AlexAnimals) July 9, 2023

AWLA asked that anyone in the vicinity review their security camera footage for clues. The investigation is ongoing and all information or tips can be sent to the Animal Services team at 703 746 6000.

Strangely enough, while Alexandria is known for being a dog-friendly city, this isn’t the first time someone has tried to harm dogs in Alexandria this year. Del Ray resident John Romano pled guilty earlier this year to trying to poison his neighbor’s dogs.

Say hello to your new best friend, Benji!

This 5-year-old guy has the biggest heart and body. Benji is a sweet, gently pup looking for a best friend to spend his life with.

Benji is very well behaved and knows a few tricks, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“He enjoys leisurely walks and has superb leash manners — no pulling, which is good, because he is a strong boy,” said Shackelford. “He enjoys time outdoors in our play yards, sniffing, exploring and chewing on a few toys here and there.”

This gentle giant would make a great affectionate and easygoing companion!

To start the adoption process email [email protected] or stop by the AWLA during business hours to meet him! And don’t forget to check out his entire profile!

Enid is a lovely 8-year-old American Foxhound up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

This purebred lady would make the best furry companion, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“Given her breed, Enid loves to follow her nose on walks and can sniff out a pocketful of treats in no time,” said Shackelford. “And let me tell you, Enid loves snacks!”

Enid is very much snack motivated!

This lady loves to bask in the sunlight and can split her time between going on walks and laying around the house. Enid has plenty of energy for adventures and is ready to find a loving home.

Enid’s adoption fees have been paid. To learn more about Enid, you can read her entire profile. And to start the adoption process email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

Meet Connie and Pearl, a bonded pair of 1-year-old guinea pigs up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

These two inquisitive girls are searching for their forever home! Connie and Pearl are both friendly and calm, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“They’ll both eat tasty treats from your hand and like to be pet once they’re comfortable, said Shackelford. “Of course, they love to munch on hay, but they enjoy some yummy veggies like celery, lettuce, carrots, and a berry now and then.”

Connie and Pearl are tons of fun! They love running around their cage and zipping into their pigloo.

This duo loves to entertain and would love to find their forever home.

Read Connie and Pearl’s entire profile to learn more. Schedule a time to meet them by emailing [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

Searching for a goofy furry companion?

Say hello to Champ, a 1-year-old puppy up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

This young pup has a lovable personality, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“He can be a little shy meeting new people, but warms up quickly,” said Shackelford. “Once he does, he’s an affectionate dog who will make an excellent companion.”

Champ loves playing with toys and sticks, and has a zest for adventure!

This guy needs to be active and daily walks, runs or hikes would be a great adventure.

To start the adoption process email [email protected] or stop by the AWLA during business hours to meet him! And don’t forget to check out his entire profile!

Age is just a number and this kitty would agree! Nomi is a black senior cat up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

This elegant girl is ready to find a forever home, but has yet to find one as an older cat, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“Nomi is an extremely sweet kitty that beckons cat room visitors over with a meow and a paw wave through the kennel door,”said Shackelford. “She just loves to entertain!”

This girl also loves Churos — it’s one of her favorite treats.

If you’re looking for a furry companion to eat with, Nomi prefers company when eating.

She’s definitely a social eater!

Are you ready to add to your family? Nomi definitely is and would make a lovely companion.

To learn more the adoption process and to schedule a time to meet her, email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

And be sure to check out Nomi’s entire profile!

Blossom is ready for love and is up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria!

This 2-year-old girl has been through a lot and was in rough condition when she came to AWLA, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“She was found tied to a fence with a significant skin issue that caused her to be nearly hairless, itchy, and red and sore from scratching,” said Shackelford. “Thanks to the incredible AWLA animal care and veterinary team, Blossom is feeling much better. Her skin has healed and her hair is growing back nicely.”

While she may be a bit timid when meeting people, Blossom warms up quickly with the help of a few treats and gentle scratches!

Blossom loves to play and chasing toys is especially fun for her. This gentle girl is in need of a wonderful forever home full of love to grow into the best furry companion she can be!

Read Blossom’s entire profile to learn more. To schedule a time to meet her, email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

Say hello to Skippy, a 2-year-old pup with the cutest and unique ears who is up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

This girl can brighten up your day and always has a happy grin on her face, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“Skippy is a young dog who would do best in an active home and family,” said Shackelford. “She enjoys her daily exercise sessions, which include romps in the play yard with toys and walks with our volunteers and staff.”

She loves a yummy snack and can sit with the right motivation!

Skippy would be a great addition to any family.

To start the adoption process email [email protected] or stop by the AWLA during business hours to meet her! And don’t forget to check out her entire profile!

Are you searching for a sweet furry companion? Meet Georgina, a 2-year-old blonde pup available for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria!

A rescue from Texas, Georgina is a bit shy and nervous, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford. She is currently in shelter.

“Despite her timidness at first, she is a sweet dog,” said Shackelford. “At first the big yard with all the new smells and places to explore was a little daunting for her, but now she hustles to yard play time with gusto!”

This girl loves to run and enjoys the daily exercise. Treats from volunteers and the shelter staff are much appreciated by Georgina. She also loves head scratches!

Is Georgina the furry family companion you’ve been searching for?

Learn more about Georgina by reading her complete profile! Schedule a time to meet her by emailing [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

Are you looking for a furry companion to keep you company? Biscuit is a 10-year-old pup searching for a new home and up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria!

This gentleman is a senior who finds the shelter a bit scary, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“He can act a bit frightened when meeting new people,” said Shackelford. “But we promise, if you give him a chance he’s a wonderful little man!”

Biscuit loves treats and is a ‘snack seeker’. He’ll instantly fall in love with you through his stomach!

This senior pup wants to be the center of your attention and though he’s a decade old, this furry guy has got spunk. Biscuit enjoys going on walks and squeaky toys.

To learn more the adoption process and to schedule a time to meet him, email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.