ANAHEIM, Calif. — Authorities in Anaheim, California, have launched an investigation after a shocking video surfaced capturing a woman hurling a small dog over a fence.
This unsettling event occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.
Footage from the University Veterinary Center’s surveillance cameras reveals the dog encased in a plastic bag being flung over the facility’s barrier, landing in the clinic’s backyard.
The following morning, the clinic’s veterinarian discovered the dog, who was suffering from serious injuries.
“It’s difficult to comprehend why anyone would commit such an act,” expressed Dr. Ash Hakhamian. “Saying the dog was ‘thrown’ doesn’t capture the severity. The animal endured significant mental trauma, which eclipsed even his physical injuries.”
Hakhamian was taken aback to find the injured animal behind his clinic, initially puzzled by how the dog had ended up there.
“We decided to review the security camera footage, and to our disappointment we found the pet was placed there by being thrown over the fence,” he told ABC .
“He face-planted,” Hakhamian added. “That’s what broke his fall, was his face.”
In addition to the trauma and severe bruising, Hakhamian says the dog is severely anemic, malnourished and was covered in fleas.
“His nails are so long, they have curled and gone back into his paw,” Hakhamian said. “That’s a type of neglect that proceeds this trauma, it proceeds this abuse.”
The clinic said that due to the nature of the situation, the Anaheim Police Department and Orange County Animal Care are now involved and that the dog is “receiving around the clock care to ensure he is recovering from both his injuries and ongoing medical needs.”
While he’s expected to fully recover, the dog remains in critical condition.
After reviewing the surveillance video, the veterinarian’s office thought the woman responsible came from the apartment building across the street.
Police confirmed that’s where she was found earlier on Thursday.
The Anaheim Police Department said the woman seen in the video has not been arrested, but police are discussing the case with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office to see if it qualifies for criminal charges.
Officer Breana Castro with Anaheim police said the woman has spoken with detectives.
“Her statement was taken, and it is going to be presented to the district attorney’s office for charges,” Castro said.
The dog is not currently available for adoption.
“There is going to be a lot of medical care and other things involved before he is going to be made available to the public for adoption and/or foster care,” a statement from the clinic said.
The incident remains under investigation.
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