The San Diego County Animal Services have launched a search for the owners of a dog seen in two social media photos being thrown by a man over Sunset Cliffs into the water early Saturday evening, reports AbcNews.

Shelter Director Dan DeSousa stated he wants to have the dog checked out by a veterinarian after receiving the disturbing photos Sunday morning following a screen shot that had been posted on a Facebook page. According to the SanDiegoReader, Anna Moyita said the dog owner quickly deleted the photo because comments immediately followed alleging animal cruelty. That, however was supposedly not the case. Anna, the woman who re-posted the photos after the dog’s owner deleted the pictures, stated the “dog is fine and knew (the owner) what she’s doing, and she “did it over and over … she (the dog) loved it.”

The photos have gone viral with most comments condemning the owners’ actions. DeSousa said just because an animal appears to enjoy something does not make it legal. The owners could face criminal charges.

(Photos via San Diego Reader)