Injured cat tossed into Mission Viejo dumpster recovering, cat owner's roommate arrested
Just hours after Mission Viejo Animal Services announced the search for a man who tossed a cat into a dumpster, authorities announced Wednesday that a suspect has been arrested.
Authorities said the owner of the cat has reported her 58-year-old roommate is the suspect.
"Through our social media, the cat owner came forward and identified the man was her roommate seen in the video, and we conducted an investigation and have probable cause that the suspect was in violation of animal cruelty," Mission Viejo Animal Services Supervisor Kyle Werner said in a statement from the city.
Animal Services received a report on Tuesday about the cat "suffering from obvious trauma."
Department of investigation surveillance footage in the area showed a light blue or gray Volkswagen Tiguan driving behind the businesses and parking near the dumpster around 7:20 p.m. A man is then seen exiting the vehicle, carrying a white garbage bag, and tossing it into the dumpster near Cabot and La Paz Road in Laguna Hills, according to animal services.
The wounded cat, named Willow by MVAS staff, was discovered nearly 15 hours later, and just before the dumpster was scheduled for collection.
On Thursday, Animal Services provided an update on the cat's health, whose real name is BooBoo, saying that the feline remains under veterinary care and is improving.
"She was examined by a leading forensic veterinarian this morning and is receiving continued care at a partner hospital," MVAS said.
"We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the Orange County Sheriff's Department for collaborating with us on this arrest and for taking the suspect into custody," said Animal Services Director Brynn Lavison.
"Most importantly, we want the public to know how deeply we are moved by the outpouring of care and concern for BooBoo. Many of you have donated to her care; others have inquired about her adoption status; and most have expressed their disdain for animal abuse. We feel proud to be part of a pet-loving community that truly cares about the animals who share our lives."
Animal Services said BooBoo will eventually be reunited with her owner.
