Man Caught on Camera Abandoning Puppy in 'Coyote Country' Has People Heartbroken
Authorities in Southern California are on the hunt for a man who was caught abandoning a puppy in an area notorious for coyotes.
In footage released by the Mission Viejo Animal Services Investigators, a man was caught pulling up to the entrance of an animal urgent care in the middle of the night, dropping off the puppy before driving away.
In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, the city of Mission Viejo said, "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."
"Staff described the situation as heartbreaking, noting the puppy appeared scared and disoriented," they continued in their statement. "But [the puppy] was fortunate to have found its way to safety."
In another video from inside the animal urgent care office, the puppy sat outside and kept jumping on the door until the staff found the poor baby. The LA Times confirmed that staff brought the puppy in for examination before contacting Animal Services about the situation.
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In California, abandoning a pet is a misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 6 months in county jail. In more serious cases, where a pet is injured or dies, those charges can also include felony animal cruelty.
"This is a deeply troubling and unacceptable act," Brynn Lavison, animal services director, said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. "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."
The urgent care confirmed that the puppy is doing well and is receiving medical attention and support from Animal Services to find a new home.
Meanwhile, authorities are still searching for the man who abandoned the puppy and are asking the public for help. Anyone with information is urged to call (949) 470-3045 or email animalservices@cityofmissionviejo.org.
Related: Abandoned Mother Dog Fought to Keep Her Puppies Alive Until Someone Pulled Over to Help
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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 3:22 PM.