Deputies search for missing pup thrown at them by suspect — and are forced to explain non-‘cuddly’ pic of pooch

He was not ready for his close up.

A California puppy has gone missing after being hurled at sheriff’s deputies by a wanted suspect trying to escape arrest — and police were later forced to explain why they released a pic of the 6-month-old pooch that they admitted was not very “cuddly,” officials said.

The poor pooch — named Money — was flung by the fleeing felony suspect in the Monterey County town of Salinas when deputies approached Monday and tried to take him into custody, the county’s Sheriff’s Office said on social media.

Unfortunately the tiny Doberman vanished in the commotion — and in an effort to find him again, deputies put out a somewhat shocking blurry image of the dog with eyes bulging and fangs bared.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

“Not 100% sure I would approch this one…looks a little angry?” said one Facebook user under the department’s post.

“It looks dangerous. Hope it returns home,” said another.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office was later forced to put out a statement that the missing dog did not belong to the suspect who threw it — and that it had a loving owner who wanted it back because he really was good dog.

“Unfortunately the owner did not have a more cuddly photo available,” they said. “The owner assures us that 6-month-old “Money” is friendly and likely scared after its experience.”

The suspect, identified as Orlando Figueroa-Martinez, 38, was later hit with felony weapons charges and animal abuse counts, KRON news said.

“When deputies attempted to arrest him, Figueroa-Martinez ignored lawful commands and fled on foot,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a post. “While running, he threw the dog at a deputy and continued to resist arrest.”

Law enforcement is just hoping to get the pooch back.

“We are asking for the community’s help in keeping an eye out for Money,” the sheriff’s office said.