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MISSION VIEJO, Calif. () — A search is underway for the man who was caught on video abandoning a puppy in Mission Viejo, leaving it alone in what animal services officials described as coyote country.
It happened in the early morning hours Friday, according to investigators with Mission Viejo Animal Services. Surveillance video shows the man outside an animal urgent care facility in the area and dropping the puppy through the closed gate, leaving it alone.
He returned to his car 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,” animal services officials said in a statement.
Officials say the puppy is receiving medical attention, but is doing well overall.
Anyone with information about the individual involved is urged to contact Mission Viejo Animal Services at (949) 470-3045.
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