Surveillance Video Shows Man Abandoning Puppy Near Coyote-Prone Area

The suspect is being sought by police after allegedly tossing a puppy through a shelter gate in Mission Viejo.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a puppy's collar, the metal tag reflecting the harsh flash of the camera against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the abandonment of a defenseless animal.Abandoned puppy's collar found near coyote-prone area raises concerns about animal welfare and urban wildlife conflicts.Mission Viejo Today

Authorities in Mission Viejo, California are searching for a man caught on surveillance video abandoning a puppy by tossing it through the closed gate of an animal shelter in an area known to have coyotes. The frightened puppy later made its way to a nearby veterinary facility, where it is now receiving care from the Mission Viejo Animal Services department.

Why it matters

Animal abandonment is a serious crime that endangers defenseless pets and violates local laws. This incident highlights the need for greater awareness and access to proper, humane channels for individuals who can no longer care for an animal.

The details

According to investigators, the incident occurred around 3:25 a.m. on Friday near the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center. Surveillance footage shows a man driving a red four-door vehicle up to the shelter's gate, then tossing a puppy through the closed gate before driving away. About an hour later, staff at a nearby animal urgent care facility discovered the puppy at their front entrance and brought it inside for evaluation.

  • The incident happened around 3:25 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • The puppy was discovered by staff at a nearby animal urgent care facility about an hour later.

The players

Mission Viejo Animal Services

The local animal services department that is now caring for the abandoned puppy and investigating the incident.

Brynn Lavison

The director of Mission Viejo Animal Services, who condemned the act of animal abandonment as "deeply troubling and unacceptable."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a deeply troubling and unacceptable act. 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.”

— Brynn Lavison, Director, Mission Viejo Animal Services

What’s next

Mission Viejo Animal Services is urging anyone with information about the suspect's identity or the case to contact them at 949-470-3045 or animalservices@cityofmissionviejo.org.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of raising awareness about proper, legal channels for rehoming pets, as well as the need for stronger enforcement and penalties around animal abandonment to protect vulnerable animals from harm.