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Thermal Drone Guides Mission Viejo Officers to Rescue Lost Dog in Steep Canyon

A DAWG-donated heat-sensing device located the Australian Shepherd after high winds had grounded an earlier sweep.

Overview

  • Mission Viejo Animal Services used a thermal drone to pinpoint Lana after a resident reported barking about a mile from the initial sighting near Dove Canyon and Coto de Caza.
  • Friday’s search ended at nightfall when winds exceeded the drone’s capabilities, according to Animal Services Manager Kyle Werner.
  • Officers followed the drone’s coordinates through rugged terrain and dense brush to reach the steep ravine and safely extricate the dog.
  • Lana was reunited with her owner the same day and was reported to be in good condition with no visible injuries.
  • The drone was provided by the Dedicated Animal Welfare Group, and city officials say this is the third time the technology has been used to find a dog.