On Friday, February 19, Santa Barbara County Animal Services began investigating an animal cruelty incident in Lompoc. The organization is asking the public for help.
The investigation stems from footage recorded two days earlier, showing a man picking the dog up by its neck and swinging it against a pickup truck in a private driveway. The dog has been described as a tan pug breed dog.
Authorities are currently seeking to identify the man and locate the dog to ensure its safety.
Animal Control Officer Catherine Hart stated a video had been shared, and the officers want to be sure the dog is not injured.
Please note “sensitive material blurred.”
The individual is described as a Black male, approximately 20-50 years of age, wearing a red beanie, blue t-shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers who was last seen heading north in the 200 block of North E Street in the city of Lompoc, on February 17, 2026 at approximately 1520 hours, with a tan, pug-type dog.
The dog has not yet been located and its welfare is a priority.
At this time, the individual is being sought strictly as a person of interest and no charges have been filed. Animal Control Investigators are attempting to identify and speak with this individual as part of the ongoing investigation.
Please contact the Santa Barbara County Animal Services Animal Control Officer Hart at [email protected]. Anonymous tips can also be made at SBCAnimalservices.org under the “Abuse/Neglect” tab.
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