A short clip from a quiet Arizona street spread across social media in March 2025. It shows a dog running after a red SUV that had just left him behind, and it ended with police charges that were announced in under 72 hours.
Caught on Camera
The incident happened on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at about 12:16 p.m. in Surprise, Arizona, according to AZFamily. A neighbor’s surveillance camera pointing at Peoria Avenue, beside the desert, recorded a red SUV pulling up, a door opening and a dog ending up on the road. The vehicle drove off, and a woman can be heard saying “bye, bye.” The dog ran after the car.
A Neighbor Steps In
Joanna Buesen, who was walking her own dog on a nearby trail, saw it happen. She called to the dog, who turned and ran to her. “It was defeated. It was sad,” she told AZFamily. Buesen said the dog was malnourished but well-behaved.
She took him home, gave him food and water and contacted animal control. She also shared the camera footage online, and it spread quickly. What bothered her most was the “bye-bye,” which she called a sign of malicious intent. “Anything that’s innocent deserves justice,” she said.
Charged Within Days
Police said they received numerous tips, and investigators used the homeowner’s video to identify the people in the vehicle. On Monday, March 10, a 26-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man turned themselves in. Detectives determined that the woman was the dog’s owner.
She was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty, and the man was charged with misdemeanor conspiracy to commit animal cruelty. Both were released from custody. Police planned to hand the dog over to the Arizona Humane Society later that week.
If You Can’t Keep Your Dog
Authorities said that people who can no longer care for an animal should ask the community for help or call a nearby shelter. Many options exist before it reaches the point of abandonment:
- Shelter surrender. Most animal shelters and humane societies accept surrendered pets, and some offer help to keep a pet at home.
- Rehoming. A reputable pet rehoming service or a rescue group can find a new owner safely.
- Low-cost vet care. Low-cost veterinary clinics and pet food banks help owners facing money problems.
- Pet insurance. Pet insurance can make unexpected vet bills easier to manage.
- Training help. A professional dog trainer can address behavior problems before they lead to surrender.
- Neighborhood cameras. A doorbell camera or home security camera can record incidents like this one and help identify those responsible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did this happen? In Surprise, Arizona, on March 8, 2025.
Who found the dog? Joanna Buesen, a neighbor who was walking her own dog nearby.
Were charges filed? Yes. Police said two people turned themselves in and face misdemeanor charges.
What happened to the dog? Surprise police planned to turn him over to the Arizona Humane Society.
What should I do if I can’t keep my dog? Contact a local shelter or rescue and ask for help rather than abandoning the animal.
Sources: AZFamily, KPHO (Gray News), and iHeartDogs.com, all covering the March 2025 incident in Surprise, Arizona, in which a dog was dumped from an SUV and two people were charged.
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