Los Angeles, CA — Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) is seeking the public’s help in identifying a man who allegedly abandoned a dog, sick with mange at the spcaLA South Bay Pet Adoption Center in Hawthorne. DOWNLOAD COMMUNITY ALERT.
Suspect, vehicle, Violet
On the afternoon of December 9, an individual came to the facility in Hawthorne claiming to have found a dog. spcaLA staff provided information of the proper animal care services agency to report the lost pet. The suspect left the facility, returned to their vehicle and removed the dog from the passenger side of the vehicle. The dog was left on the sidewalk and the person drove away. These actions were recorded by surveillance cameras.
Animal abandonment is a misdemeanor (California Penal Code § 597s) punishable by up to one (1) year in county jail and a fine up to $1,000.
The subject captured on video appears to be male, late 20s, approximately 5’10” and 175 pounds. The vehicle is a white, 2021/2022 4-door Mercedes Benz S Class with California license plates. The plates last four digits are possibly M933.
The dog, named Violet by spcaLA staff, is a 1-year-old female Pit Bull mix suffering extensively with a skin disease, commonly known as mange. Violet was checked by spcaLA medical staff and a course of treatment has begun. The agency expects Violet to recover, and is hopeful that she will be placed in adoptions as soon as she cleared by the medical team.
Anyone with information of this individual is encouraged to contact spcaLA Animal Protection Services at 800-540-SPCA (7722) or online at spcaLA.com/report.
spcaLA houses stray or lost animals found in the cities of Culver City, El Segundo, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Lawndale, Lynwood, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and West Hollywood. For more information visit spcaLA.com/lost-pets.
spcaLA is the only private animal welfare organization in Los Angeles that is also Law Enforcement. spcaLA Humane Officers hold the same powers of Peace Officers in the state of California when investigating animal cruelty. spcaLA is a non-profit agency that relies on donations for its programs and services, including animal cruelty investigations. To donate, please visit spcaLA.com or call 323-334-4485.