An Orange County man was arrested for allegedly harming a Santa Ana family’s missing Chihuahua, tying the animal up with cords and repeatedly striking him, police say.

Jose Manuel Pantoja is suspected of using wires to bind the dog’s legs and of striking him multiple times.

Officers also found the small brown Chihuahua with a bungee cord around its throat and chest.

They transported the injured dog to an emergency pet clinic for treatment of multiple injuries, and he is now recovering.

Max the Chihuahua has since had a joyful reunion with his family.

Stephany Chavez was reunited with her family’s 10-year-old dog for the first time Tuesday at OC Animal Care, after he ran out of the yard Sunday.

The family searched for him but couldn’t find him — until officers discovered Max behind a WaBa Grill after someone reported a man mistreating the dog.

Officers found Max with his feet bound with an electrical cord and a bungee cord wrapped around his neck.

They arrested Pantoja and rushed Max to the Orange County Emergency Pet Clinic.

After some rest, vets say Max is expected to recover well.

“I didn’t think I would see him again, but here he is,” Chavez said. “And I’m just grateful he’s okay and not in worse condition.”

The police sergeant who responded to the call, a longtime K-9 handler, took a special interest in the case and even paid the licensing fee so the family could bring Max home.

Santa Ana police say Pantoja has a lengthy criminal record.

He now faces an animal cruelty charge.