Police are investigating after surveillance footage captured the overnight drop at University Veterinary Center.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — A woman was recorded early Wednesday placing a small dog inside a plastic bag and throwing it over a locked fence behind University Veterinary Center in Anaheim, according to the clinic. Staff found the animal later with severe injuries, prompting a police investigation into possible animal cruelty.
The incident, captured on the clinic’s security cameras, has drawn sharp reactions from veterinarians, animal welfare advocates and city officials. Anaheim police confirmed they are looking into the case and have interviewed the woman seen in the footage. The dog remained under intensive care Friday as doctors evaluated trauma and malnourishment. The case highlights how surveillance video and community tips are driving the early stages of the inquiry, while the clinic appeals for information to establish what happened before the drop and whether additional crimes occurred.
According to the clinic, the video time stamp shows a woman walking up to the rear fence shortly after 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. In the footage, she appears to lift a grocery-style plastic bag over the metal fence and let it fall into the enclosed yard. The animal was discovered the next morning when staff arrived for work and checked the back area. Dr. Ash Hakhamian, a veterinarian at the center, said the dog was dehydrated, underweight and showing signs consistent with prior mistreatment. “Thrown is an understatement,” Hakhamian said, describing the extent of the animal’s injuries.
Anaheim police said investigators are reviewing the video and statements from clinic staff. Officers also noted that the dog’s condition suggests it may have been neglected before the drop. The clinic identified the dog as a small mixed-breed male. Staff reported bruising, labored breathing and a low body condition score, along with abrasions that could have occurred before the fall. As of Friday afternoon, the dog remained hospitalized in critical but guarded condition. Detectives are working to determine the woman’s identity with certainty, verify her connection to the dog and evaluate whether to recommend charges under California’s animal cruelty statutes. Police did not release the woman’s name.
University Veterinary Center is located along a commercial corridor in Anaheim and uses locked fencing to secure its rear yard at night. Staff said the overnight timing made the discovery difficult and likely prolonged the dog’s suffering. Security video from multiple angles was provided to news outlets. Similar cases in Southern California—abandonments caught on cameras at shelters and clinics—have led to arrests in recent years and have underscored the role of surveillance systems in documenting suspected cruelty. Public records show that California law allows felony penalties in severe cases involving malicious injury or torture of an animal.
Police said the next steps include obtaining additional recordings from nearby businesses, conducting a veterinary forensic exam to document wounds and weight, and preparing a case file for prosecutors. Detectives also plan to seek tips from the public to reconstruct the hours before the drop. If charges are filed, an arraignment date would be set in Orange County Superior Court. The clinic said it will provide medical updates as the dog stabilizes. Officials expect to share a fuller status report early next week.
By Friday evening, bouquets and handwritten notes had been placed outside the clinic’s front door. “It’s heartbreaking to watch,” said client Maria Lopez, who stopped by after seeing the video on local news. A nearby shop manager said the alley is usually quiet at night, adding, “I’ve never seen anything like that on our block.” Hakhamian said the staff is focused on round-the-clock care and documenting injuries: “We want the dog comfortable, and we want accountability.”
The dog remained in intensive care late Friday. Investigators said they will review additional camera footage over the weekend and aim to provide an update on Monday.
Author note: Last updated November 15, 2025.