Anaheim, CA — Authorities in Orange County are searching for a woman who was captured on surveillance video early Wednesday morning, around 1:30 am, allegedly throwing a small dog—tied inside a bag—over a fence behind a local veterinary clinic.
The incident occurred in an alleyway behind the University Veterinary Center (UVC) located on the 1700 block of Glenoaks Avenue in Anaheim. The footage shows a woman walking casually through the alley while holding a white bag, approaching the fenced backyard of the clinic, and then throwing it over the barrier without hesitation.
According to Dr. Ash Hakhamian, the Medical Director at UVC, the bag contained a small white dog suffering from alarming, potentially long-term injuries.
Veterinarian Describes the Dog’s Trauma
Reviewing the footage, Dr. Hakhamian expressed deep concern over both the woman’s behavior and the dog’s condition.
“You can clearly see her stroll up to the fence and just throw him over, then walk away like it was nothing,” he explained to KTLA.
The dog, whom staff are affectionately referring to as a “little fighter,” had severe facial trauma when discovered. Hakhamian noted that the dog’s front teeth were completely missing, and the injuries were consistent with a significant blunt impact to the face.
“We’re still evaluating the exact cause. It doesn’t necessarily look like the teeth simply fell out. What we do know is that he sustained substantial trauma to the entire front of his face,” Hakhamian added.
Signs of Long-Term Neglect
Beyond the injuries from the fall, the dog showed clear indicators of prolonged mistreatment.
“I’ve never witnessed a dog eat like that,” Hakhamian said. “He devoured the food so fast—as if he hadn’t eaten in an unthinkably long time. He almost ate my hand, the metal bowl, everything. It was heartbreaking.”
Veterinary staff believe the dog may have been starved or severely deprived of care for an extended period before being abandoned.
Transferred for Ongoing Treatment
Following initial medical stabilization at UVC, the dog was transferred to Orange County Animal Care for extended treatment and recovery.
According to Hakhamian, countless people have already contacted the clinic offering to adopt the dog or assist with care. However, the animal’s rehabilitation journey is expected to be lengthy, and adoption discussions cannot begin until he is fully healed.
The UVC website, uvcvet.com, is posting periodic updates. A heartfelt message on the page reads:
“We are honored by the outpouring of kind words and the public’s willingness to step up and help. Please keep this little guy in your thoughts and prayers.”
Investigation Underway
The Anaheim Police Department has opened an investigation into the case. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the identity of the woman seen in the video remains unknown.
Authorities are urging anyone who recognizes the woman—or has information about the incident—to come forward.
This case has sparked outrage across Orange County. Do you believe stronger penalties are needed for animal neglect and abandonment?
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