Arizona Couple Faces Charges After Heartbreaking Dog Abandonment Caught on Video

A shocking case of animal cruelty in Surprise, Arizona, has sparked outrage after video footage showed a dog being deliberately abandoned.

The disturbing clip captured a red SUV driving down a dead-end street before turning around. As the vehicle slowed, a woman in the back seat opened the door and tossed a black-and-white dog onto the pavement. Before the car sped away, she chillingly told the pup “bye-bye.”

Source: YouTube

Witness Joanna Buesen, who was walking her own dog nearby, said she was overwhelmed with emotion as she watched the abandonment unfold. “I was angered, flabbergasted, shocked,” she told reporters. The confused dog attempted to chase after the SUV, clinging to hope he might be taken back. Instead, he was left behind.

Moved by compassion, Buesen gently called to the frightened animal, who ran toward her for safety. She brought him home, offered food, and later contacted animal control. Thanks to her quick action, the pup was taken into care and spared from further danger.

The cruelty of the moment, especially the dismissive “goodbye,” drew strong condemnation from Buesen: “Things can be tough in life, but you don’t have to be a soulless human. And that is just a soulless thing.”

Source: YouTube

Investigators quickly tracked down the suspects after the video revealed the SUV’s license plate. On March 11, FOX 10 Phoenix reported that a man and woman—identified as the dog’s owners—turned themselves in. They are now facing animal cruelty charges.

The dog has since been placed in the care of a local shelter, where he will be put up for adoption once ready. Advocates hope he will find a loving forever home to replace the trauma of abandonment with compassion and stability.

Source: YouTube

The case has become a sobering reminder of the harsh realities many animals face, while also highlighting the power of community witnesses and rescuers who refuse to look away.