Man seen on video abandoning puppy in Mission Viejo is ID’d

The man seen dumping a puppy outside an animal urgent care facility in Mission Viejo has been identified, according to the city.

Surveillance footage recorded outside the facility showed a man tossing a small puppy through the railings of the property and onto the concrete ground. He is then seen leaving the dog, abandoning it at the site. Mission Viejo Animal Services said the incident took place at about 3:25 a.m. on Friday.

“The suspect, who was also determined to be the puppy’s owner, was contacted and interviewed by investigators,” a Mission Viejo spokesperson said in a statement. The city did not release the name of the man.

Animal care experts believe the female puppy may be about 10 weeks old. The city said the young pup is doing well and “receiving much attention and love from shelter staff.”

After the pooch made its way to the urgent animal care’s front door, staff took the puppy inside and conducted a medical evaluation. They determined the puppy did not have any major medical concerns.

The city did not say if the man will face any charges in connection with the incident.

It also reminded the public that abandoning an animal is unsafe and unlawful, and encouraged pet owners who can no longer look after their pets to contact their local Animal Services agency or rescue for help.