UPDATE: Animal Control Staff have located the animal from the pictures in this case. The owners, who do not live in Hollister, have come forward and advised this was a misunderstanding. They advised they were trying to exercise their dog who has a lot of energy. They brought the animal to the shelter and staff had a veterinarian evaluate the dog and it is healthy and in good condition.
The owners have been advised of proper ways to exercise their dog and invited them to visit our dog park when in Hollister. The Hollister Animal Care and Services Bureau would like to thank the community that came forward and shared the information about this case. The attention helped bring this case to a quick conclusion.
Original Message: HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – August 5, 2025 – On July 26, 2025, Hollister Police Animal Care and Services received a report regarding the deliberate abandonment of a small white dog in the area of Daffodil Drive.
According to a witness and video surveillance, the occupants of an older gray BMW were seen stopping on Daffodil Drive at approximately 12:46 pm. and intentionally releasing a small, white, Poodle type dog onto the street before driving away. The dog was observed chasing the vehicle as it departed the neighborhood. Later that same day, at approximately 3:07 p.m., the same vehicle returned and repeated the action.
Both incidents were captured on residential security footage and reported by a concerned citizen. The dog was not located at the time of the initial report, prompting an ongoing investigation by Animal Control Officers.
Hollister Police Animal Care and Services is currently seeking information about the individual(s) responsible for this action. Surveillance footage has been retained as part of an active animal cruelty and abandonment investigation.
Hollister Police Animal Care and Services would like to remind the public that it is unlawful for any person having charge or custody of any animal either as owner or otherwise, to subject any animal to needless suffering, inflict unnecessary cruelty upon an animal, or in any manner abuse an animal or deprives an animal of necessary sustenance, drink, or shelter as it violates California PC 597. A violation of this subdivision is punishable as a felony by imprisonment, or by a fine of not more than twenty thousand dollars, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
Hollister Police Animal Care and Services would like to thank the concerned community member who came forward and reported the incident. Public awareness and participation are vital in ensuring animals are protected from cruelty and neglect.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact Animal Control Officers at 831-636-4320. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. The information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward of up to $1,000.
Prepared by: Alyssa Carrillo, AC Supervisor
Approved by: Carlos Reynoso, Chief of Police
