Mission Viejo Animal Services Investigators are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a man who tossed a puppy, abandoning it in the middle of coyote country in the early hours of April 10.

At roughly 4:30 am, Mission Viejo Animal Services was notified by a local animal urgent care facility that staff had discovered a puppy left alone at their front entrance. The veterinary team immediately brought the puppy inside, conducted a medical evaluation, and contacted Animal Services. An Animal Control Officer promptly responded to the location.

Through the course of the investigation, officers determined that at approximately 3:25 am, the unidentified man drove down the hill toward the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center in a red four-door vehicle. Surveillance footage shows the suspect exiting his vehicle and throwing the puppy through the closed shelter gate, leaving the animal alone and frightened in coyote country. The suspect then returned to his vehicle and drove away.

After being abandoned, the puppy, visibly distressed, made its way to the nearby urgent animal care facility, where it sought help at the front door. Staff described the situation as heartbreaking, noting the puppy appeared scared and disoriented but was fortunate to have found its way to safety.

The puppy is currently in the care of Mission Viejo Animal Services and is receiving appropriate medical attention and support but is doing well.

"This is a deeply troubling and unacceptable act," said Mission Viejo Animal Services Director Brynn Lavison. "There are safe, humane, and legal options for individuals who are unable to care for an animal. Abandoning a defenseless puppy in this manner not only endangers the animal but is also a violation of the law."

Mission Viejo Animal Services Investigators are actively working to identify the individual involved. Anyone with information regarding this incident or the identity of the suspect is urged to immediately contact Mission Viejo Animal Services at 949-470-3045 or [email protected].

Reminder to the public: Abandoning an animal is illegal under California law. If you are unable to care for a pet, please contact your local animal services agency for assistance. Mission Viejo Animal Services offers resources to ensure animals are safely and humanely surrendered.