Man Suspected Of Throwing Puppy Over Fence Into Tujunga Wash Arrested

LOS ANGELES, CA — A two-month-old puppy is recovering today after being tossed inside a cage over a fence into the Tujunga Wash, and police believe they've arrested the man responsible for the act of animal cruelty.

The act was caught on a home security camera, and the disturbing video quickly spread through the community galvanizing neighbors to help rescue the puppy and find the man who threw her away.

Police on Thursday announced the arrest of 25-year-old Daniel Arias of Tujunga on suspicion of animal cruelty. He was being held in lieu of $20,000 bail, according to police and jail records.

The disturbing video surfaced March 27, showing a man exiting a brown Chevrolet Tahoe near Renaissance Drive and Cardamine Court, opening the vehicle's rear liftgate, removing a caged puppy and tossing the cage and animal over a fence before driving away.

After the video went public, police went to the area and spoke to a man who rescued the dog.

"The resident stated he searched for the dog after seeing the video on a neighborhood ‘app’ but only found an empty crate, according to the LAPD. "The resident then searched along the Tujunga wash and discovered the injured puppy."

Los Angeles Animal Services personnel took the 2-month-old black female mix for safekeeping. The puppy underwent a physical examination which revealed several injuries that doctors noted were most likely due to the fall from being thrown inside the crate, according to the LAPD.

The puppy is recovering well and will be available for adoption later.

"Detectives investigating the case successfully followed up on leads and gathered valuable information from the public," according to the LAPD. "With the community's assistance, they identified the suspect."

Arias was arrested at his home without incident, police said.

Anyone with additional information was asked to contact the LAPD Foothill Division at 818-834-3115. Callers who choose to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

City News Service contributed to this report.