Man Accused Of Kicking Dog In OC Arrested; $5K Reward To Find Pup

ANAHEIM, CA — A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of kicking a small dog in an incident seen on video in the City of Anaheim, prompting police to ask for the public's help in finding the dog.

The suspect, Joseph Michael Sanders, was arrested Thursday evening for allegedly kicking the dog April 7 near Brookhurst Street and the Interstate 5 Freeway, authorities said.

PETA is offering a reward of up to $5,000 to ensure the safety of the small dog, and urged residents to remain vigilant for sightings of the dog, which was described as tan with white paws and a white snout.

“This little dog is surely traumatized and terrified and may be seriously injured,” PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O’Brien said in a statement. “PETA asks anyone with information to come forward immediately so this dog can get the care he or she urgently needs.”

Anaheim Police Department Sgt. Jon McClintock thanked the public for tips in a social media statement, and added that police were still looking for the dog. Anyone with information on the dog's whereabouts was asked to call police at 714-765-1900.

Sanders has a lengthy criminal record, according to court records.

In his most recent case he pleaded guilty in February 2023 to carrying a loaded unregistered gun in public, a felony, and misdemeanor resisting arrest. Sanders was placed on two years of formal probation and sentenced to 45 days in jail and sentenced to 60 days in jail in June 2023 for violating probation and another 90 days in jail in February 2024 for another probation violation, according to court records.

In a probation violation petition filed in September, officials said the transient had failed to report to the probation department.

Sanders has a lengthy history for arrest and convictions for burglary, vandalism, receiving stolen property, robbery, and domestic violence, probation officials reported.

Sanders allegedly kicked the dog April 7 near Brookhurst Street and the Santa Ana (5) Freeway, police said.

City News Service contributed to this report.