Seven Abused & Neglected Tibetan Terriers Dumped in California—Officials Say There Could Be More
Over the weekend of November 30th, 2024, seven severely neglected Tibetan Terriers were brought to local California shelters. Found within hours or days of each other, the dogs were discovered in Fontana, Menifee, and Lake Elsinore by Animal Control officers. Five of the dogs are currently in the care of Animal Friends of the Valleys, while two others have been transferred to Priceless Pet Rescue following a brief stay with San Bernardino Animal Services.

Each of these Tibetan Terriers appears to have been dumped following months or years of severe neglect. Rocky Kanaka—animal advocate and YouTuber—spent time with one of the Tibetan Terriers named Cinder at Animal Friends of the Valleys. This nervous little dog struggled to interact during his visit and seemed shut down. She was still covered in matted, urine and feces-filled fur, her body was so thin you could feel every bone, and even simple things like eating a treat were difficult for her. Cinder—and the other Tibetan Terriers—have now been groomed and given a few good meals, and are on their way to being happy and healthy, but it will be a difficult road.
Animal Control officials agree: it seems like all of these Tibetan Terriers came from the same place and were dumped by the same people, and there could be more of them. A hoarding or illegal breeding situation could explain the horrific condition of these dogs since they have obviously been suffering for quite some time.
What is a Tibetan Terrier?
Tibetan Terriers are a relatively rare breed of small dog that is similar in appearance to a Havanese or a Lhasa Apso. Healthy Tibetan Terriers weigh between 18–30 pounds and have strong, muscular bodies and shagging long coats. Not actually a member of the Terrier Group, Tibetan Terriers are an ancient breed originating in Tibet more than 2,000 years ago.
Once used as good luck symbols, herding dogs, watchdogs, and companion animals, Tibetan Terriers are a relatively unknown breed in the US, which makes them easily exploitable. Tibetan Terriers are not AKC-recognized, which means there is little public education on the breed and few resources for finding ethical US breeders.


“Rare” dog breeds may be at high risk of unethical breeding since they can be sold at high prices to people seeking “exotic” or unique dog breeds. Unethical breeders motivated by profits often select these rare breeds, accessing a market with high demand and low supply. Dogs bred by unethical puppy mills and backyard breeders often face severe neglect and abuse, and the resulting puppies frequently suffer from genetic abnormalities and preventable health issues.
Dogs used for breeding in these unethical situations are often the most at risk, since they may be deprived of food, water, veterinary care, and enrichment. Many breeder dogs rescued from puppy mills and backyard breeders have never been outside, never played with toys, and never enjoyed human companionship.
Animal Control Asks The Public for Information on Dumped Tibetan Terriers
Unregulated breeding hurts everyone, but it starts and ends with the dog. Fearing that there could be more Tibetan Terriers suffering neglect and abuse, both the Animal Friends of Valleys Animal Control and the San Bernardino County Animal Services are asking for the public’s help finding more information. If you know anything regarding Tibetan Terriers being bred or kept in unsafe conditions in the Riverside County and San Bernardino County areas, please reach out.
If you have information, please contact Animal Friends of the Valleys Animal Control at (951) 674-0618 (extension: 222 or 223) or the San Bernardino County Animal Services by emailing [email protected] using the subject line “Tibetan Terriers” or call at (909) 384-1304.
Source: NBCLA