Mama Dog Found Pummeled With BB Pellets Rescued Along With 15 Pups

MISSION VIEJO, CA — A dog who was shot multiple times by a BB gun and her puppies were rescued from the City of Perris by Mission Viejo Animal Services and will soon be ready for adoption, city officials said Thursday.

The MVAS team was notified of the pups and their mother while Animal Services Commercial Enforcement Officer Adrian Enriquez was assisting a Laguna Hills resident with a permit.

The resident told Enriquez that he "wished he had this type of help at his other property."

The officer soon learned that the resident has a property in Perris, which is frequented by stray dogs. He told Enriquez that at least two female dogs lived on the property and had multiple litters of puppies.

"Apparently, all the puppies from one recent litter went missing, leading the resident to believe they had been attacked and killed by wildlife," City of Mission Viejo spokeswoman Kelly Tokarski told Patch. "He felt terrible about their fate, and since he knew another litter was living on the property, he asked if Mission Viejo Animal Services could help."

While Perris is outside of Mission Viejo's service area, the city's "A Mission For Home" program and the nonprofit DAWG exist for such circumstances, Tokarski said.

On March 6, 15 puppies and their mama were rescued from the Perris residence. The female dog was named Priscilla by staff and is believed to be around 2-years-old.

A second mama dog said to have been living at the residence was not immediately located, though officers continue to search for her, the city said.

"Since 15 puppies are a lot to house, city staff asked the San Clemente/Dana Point shelter to assist, and six puppies were transferred there," Tokarski said.

The nine pups remaining under MVAS care received exams, vaccines and dewormers. Priscilla was sent to the vet for an exam and x-ray, which revealed that the young dog had more than 25 BB pellets lodged under her skin from being shot multiple times.

"Animal Services staff members are relieved this poor dog is now in our care to receive proper treatment and the love she deserves," Tokarski said. "Four of the smallest and least social puppies have been temporarily moved into foster homes, but the remaining five pups and mama Priscilla are currently at the shelter waiting to be adopted."

For more information, contact 949-470-3045 or visit cmvas.org.