Stolen Chihuahua Returned To Loving Family, Suspect Arrested

SANTA ANA, CA —Dispatch operators of the Santa Ana Police Department answered the call from a distraught woman who witnessed the abuse of an animal Sunday, Patch was told.

Over the weekend, police officers arrived on the scene of the 400 block of East First Street where a suspect had tied up a tiny chihuahua with bungee cords and wire and was "drop kicking" the dog in an alleyway, Sgt. Anthony Bertagna told Patch.

An employee of Waba Grill was throwing out the trash when she saw the suspect "put bungee cords around his neck and legs, and wrapped colored wire around his legs. She watched in horror as he threw the dog out and kicked it," Bertagna said.
"At first, she was going to intervene, but then thought twice and called police instead," he said.

Jose Manuel Pantoja, who arriving officers found standing over the small dog "was taken into custody without incident," Bertagna said. Pantoja told the officers the dog didn't belong to him, that it was "just following him around."

Pantoja was booked with Cruelty to Animals.

What about Max?

The arresting officer, a K9 cop, made sure the dog got immediate care. He brought the broken, hurting chihuahua to Orange County Emergency Pet Clinic where he was treated for its many injuries that included a punctured face and broken pelvis. Orange County Animal Care took Max in, and set about locating his owner.

"The family arrived to find their dog at the animal care facility, and Max, as we learned he was called, couldn't have been happier to see them, according to Jessica Novillo, spokesperson for OC Animal Care. Due to the investigation, Max needed to stay at the shelter overnight.

Max is 13, and has been with the family since he was a puppy, Bertagna said. He is considered a member of the family. The pup escaped from their yard, and they had searched for him, to no avail. When they arrived at the OC Animal Care, they learned that several hundred dollars in fines were due, Bertagna told us.

"He was due for his dog license, and other fees that stray dogs that get picked up, including the state fine," Novillo said.

According to Bertagna, the arresting sergeant paid Max's $150 license fee out of his own pocket.

Max is expected to recover fully and will do so in the comfort of his own home.
The suspect is currently in Orange County Jail, according to Bertagna.

According to the Orange County District Attorney, Pantoja has been charged with felony animal cruelty.