Mission Viejo, United States – Animal services investigators are asking for public assistance after a puppy was abandoned in Mission Viejo, California in the early hours of April 10.

At around 4:30 a.m., Mission Viejo Animal Services was alerted by a local animal urgent care facility after staff found a puppy left alone at their front entrance.

Investigators determined that at approximately 3:25 a.m., an unidentified man drove a red four-door vehicle down a hill toward the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center.

He exited the vehicle, threw the puppy through a closed shelter gate, and left the animal alone in an area described as coyote country.

The man then returned to his vehicle and drove away.

Authorities have emphasized that abandoning an animal is illegal under California law. They also note that individuals unable to care for a pet are urged to contact local animal services for help, which can provide options for safe and humane surrender.

Mission Viejo Animal Services is continuing efforts to identify the suspect.

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