Owner of dog stolen, severely beaten in San Francisco speaks out

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco Animal Care & Control is asking the public to help identify the person who beat a dog and left it to die. The pup, named Maximilian, was so severely abused that he had to be put down on Sunday because his kidneys were too damaged. There is a person of interest, another homeless man, but officials say the only way they could nail him is through surveillance cameras.

On Wednesday afternoon, ABC7 News found Maximilian's owner, Mark Anthony, who was too distraught to get out of his tent.

"It's like losing a companion," he said. "He's my companion."

Anthony's dog was stolen last Monday around noon from a homeless encampment under the 101 freeway at Cesar Chavez Street. He was found severely beaten with cigarette burns three days later. He was chained to a fence at Division and South Van Ness streets and left to die.

When asked who he thought did this to his dog, Anthony said, "We have an idea, but I don't even really know. I would hate to put it on a person."

Several eyewitnesses have come forward to say they saw a homeless man with the dog during that time.

"He might be with a man who might be on a bike or on a bike that's pulling a cart," said Virginia Donohue with Animal Care & Control.

But Animal Care & Control needs proof. They've released a map of the area where they believe the dog and the person of interest may have been. Hundreds of cameras in the Mission area may help identify him.

"We're asking the public in that area -- do you have any video, footage from those days where you can see Max," Donohue said.

Sabrina Kay works at City Picture Frame on Folsom Street. They have several cameras and have offered to help.

"It's something that I think the neighborhood could really do a lot to bring it to justice," she said.

"I think with all this attention he will be found and then Max can rest," Anthony said.

Before he was euthanized, his owner was able to say goodbye to Max.

All the dog's medical bills have been paid thanks to people out there who donated money. There is still a $10,000 reward for anyone with information.