Drone technology has proved its pet-rescuing capabilities once again, most recently helping animal control officers in Mission Viejo save a dog from deep brush.
The City of Mission Viejo said Animal Services received a call last Friday from a resident who reported strong winds, which caused their dog to run away.
Animal control officers responded and searched the area between Dove Canyon and Coto de Caza, where the dog, a 1-year-old Australian Shepherd named Lana, was seen running, the city said.
Strong winds prevented officers from conducting a full search using the department’s drones, and the dog couldn’t be found before dark.
After a resident reported hearing barking a mile from where the dog was last week, officers went back Saturday morning and rescued the dog from a steep canyon with dense brush by utilizing the thermal technology.
The city said Lana has reunited with her owner and is in good condition with no visible injuries.
“Mission Viejo Animal Services is proud to support community members when they need it the most and remains committed to providing professional, compassionate and innovative animal rescue services,” said Mission Viejo Animal Services Director Brynn Lavison.
This is the third time the city used the thermal technology to locate a dog. In November, Mission Viejo officials used the same drone drone to rescue a dog from a remote trail.
The city said the drone was provided by the Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG), which provides medical care for sick and injured animals.
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