Authorities are searching for a woman who they believe intentionally ran over a pit bull mix puppy in Southern California, sharing footage that captures the moment the driver let the dog out of the vehicle and drove over it.
The Santa Ana Police Department said that animal services responded to a dead black and white male pit bull mix in the area of 900 W. Park Lane on Sept. 8. A nearby resident reported seeing a minivan parked nearby and believed the female driver intentionally ran over the puppy.
Santa Ana police found video corroborating the reporting party’s statement and shared it on social media Wednesday, Sept. 30.
The video shows a driver opening the car door, and a dog exiting and quickly going underneath the car. The driver is seen dumping something on the ground — Santa Ana police said it was dog food — and the dog approaches it. The driver then slowly drove the vehicle forward, causing the dog to be run over by the vehicle’s rear driver’s side tire. Santa Ana police said the vehicle remained stopped on top of the dog for approximately 15 seconds before leaving.
The puppy succumbed to his injuries, Santa Ana police said, and his remains were secured. Santa Ana police said the video didn’t capture a readable license plate, so they’re asking the public for help.
People with information that can help identify the woman or the vehicle can contact 714-245-8378.
It’s against California law to intentionally maim, mutilate, torture, wound, or kill an animal. Overworking an animal or depriving it of food, water, and shelter are among the things that put a person in violation of the law.
Potential penalties can include up to a year in county jail for misdemeanor offenses, state prison sentences for felony convictions, and a fine of no more than $20,000, according to the Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Woman intentionally drove over, killed puppy in SoCal, police say
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