Mission Viejo Animal Services Officers rescue muzzled dog that had been on the loose for three days

A loose dog that had been muzzled and wandering the streets of Rancho Santa Margarita for three days was safely captured Wednesday by Mission Viejo Animal Services Officers. 

After receiving reports of the German Shepherd mix spotted around Robinson Ranch Road, Mission Viejo Animal Services Officers immediately began tracking the young dog and set up traps before organizing an effort with all available Animal Services Officers to locate and safely capture the dog.   

“We were very concerned for this dog’s welfare … since he was muzzled, he couldn’t eat, drink or defend himself,” said Mission Viejo Animal Services Supervisor Kyle Werner “We have a lot of questions for the dog’s owner as to how he ended up in this situation.”  

The underweight dog, named by staff as "Robinson" for the area it was captured, is undergoing medical evaluation and treatment at a local veterinarian.   

Anyone with information about the dog is asked to contact the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center at 949-470-3045. The center proudly and proactively serves the cities of Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills and Aliso Viejo.